Sixteen sporting organisations across New South Wales will receive a share of $500,000 to deliver projects aimed at increasing participation by women and girls and creating stronger pathways into coaching, leadership and sporting careers.
The funding will support 19 projects under the NSW Government’s Play Her Way Innovation Program, which forms part of a four-year strategy focused on helping women and girls enter sport and remain involved over the long term.
Grants ranging from $3,000 to $45,000 were awarded to state sporting organisations and sporting organisations for people with disability across four funding streams. The program also allows organisations to work with academies and community groups that support women, girls and under-represented communities.
Triathlon NSW received $45,000 for Tri Her Way, a women-led digital triathlon club designed to provide a flexible online community for women aged 16 to 25.
NSW Rugby Union was awarded $44,983 for Rugby Her Way, a participation and development program designed by women to support new and returning female players while also building the skills of coaches.
Motorsport Australia received $45,000 for AccelerateHER NSW, which will include school programs, mentoring opportunities and a regional rally school to encourage greater participation by girls and young women, particularly those in regional areas.
Volleyball NSW secured $45,000 for CoachHer, a leadership and coach development initiative intended to increase the number of women entering coaching roles through flexible and hybrid training opportunities.
Athletics NSW received $5,000 for Her Track, Her Career, an internship program aimed at providing young women with practical experience and career pathways within the sports industry.
NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the funding would help sporting organisations develop new approaches to participation and retention.
He said the program was intended to help organisations create more welcoming environments and increase opportunities for women and girls across different areas of sport.
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said the projects would help build inclusive sporting cultures and reduce barriers to participation.
She said the funding would support women and girls to move into coaching and leadership positions as well as participation.
Triathlon NSW chief executive Adam Wicks said the digital club model was designed to address some of the practical barriers that can affect participation, including work, study and family commitments.
He said the initiative would be shaped by the women it is intended to support and would focus on building confidence, connection and access to the sport through online engagement.
Governments and sporting organisations across Australia have increasingly focused on improving female participation rates, retaining teenage girls in sport and increasing the representation of women in coaching, officiating and leadership roles. Recent research has shown that participation among girls often declines during adolescence, prompting a range of programs aimed at creating more inclusive and flexible sporting environments.
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