Sport Vouchers Aim to Help Participation

By Matt Stevens
July 1, 2020

Today will see many states and territories releasing the next round of sport vouchers for 2020.

Participation programs like Bowl Patrol and BowlAbilities encourages the use of these vouchers for registration and participation.

Although the initiative is titled and administrated differently across the country, they all possess the same aim – to increase the opportunity to learn how to bowl!

The vouchers and the amounts provided help eligible participants to access sport that might otherwise have been out of their reach. Whether that is trying a new sport or stepping up their level of involvement in an existing sport, the increased activity is vital for their all-round health.

The other benefit is for the registered centres that run these programs. In 2019, approximately 45% of Bowl Patrollers completed the program for free using their vouchers. An estimated investment of $21,000 was then received from this action with most going straight back into centres for linage and coach payments.

In what is a difficult time for all due to COVID-19, recruiting some bowlers to participate in these programs for free can help the participant, the sport and the centre. It’s a win, win, win!

Not currently available in the ACT or Victoria, other states have started to release information on how you can gain access to these vouchers.

Check below for specific information and eligibility criteria from the state and territories that are offering the initiative.

QLD

FairPlay Voucher

  • Parents, carers or guardians can apply for a voucher valued up to $150 for their child, which can be used towards sport and active recreation membership, registration or participation fees with registered activity providers.
  • Queensland resident aged from 5 to 17 years (inclusive) at the time of application.
  • There is a limit of 1 voucher per child per calendar year.
  • Round 3 will open in July 2020.

https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/fairplay/apply

NSW

Active Kids Voucher

The Active Kids program provides two $100 vouchers for parents, guardians and carers of school-enrolled children to use towards sport and active recreation costs each year. The program launched in 2018 and is planned to run until 2022.

Voucher 1 is valid January to December and Voucher 2 is valid July to December.

The vouchers may be used with a registered activity provider for registration, participation and membership costs for sport, fitness and active recreation activities. Active Kids aims to reduce barriers to participation and help change the physical activity behaviours of children and young people in NSW.
 
1.    Claim your vouchers from the Service NSW website  
2.    Locate an Active Kids provider from over 11,000+  
3.    Use your vouchers when registering for a sport or activity 
4.    Get playing 

https://sport.nsw.gov.au/sectordevelopment/activekids/parents

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Sport Voucher

  • You can apply online for the next round of vouchers on 1 July 2020.
  • The Sport Voucher Scheme makes it easier for Northern Territory children to participate in sport, recreation and cultural activities making for happier, healthier Territory children. Children in urban areas receive a $100 voucher twice a year, and activities for remote children are coordinated by Regional Councils based on community preferences and in conjunction with registered providers. The scheme also includes the Learn to Swim program where parents of toddlers can access vouchers for swimming lessons.

https://sportvoucher.nt.gov.au/

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Sport Voucher

  • What is the Sports Vouchers program?
  • One voucher for each eligible child per calendar year.
  • The Sports Vouchers program is a Government of South Australia initiative administered by the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing. The program provides an opportunity for primary school aged children from Reception to Year 7 to receive up to a $100 discount on sports or dance membership/registration fees. The purpose is to increase the number of children playing organised sport or participating in dance activities by reducing cost as a barrier.

https://www.sportsvouchers.sa.gov.au/

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Kidsport

  • KidSport enables eligible children aged 5 to 18 to participate in community sport and recreation by offering them financial assistance towards club registration fees.
  • Eligible children in Western Australia can receive up to $150 per calendar year to cover the costs of joining any approved KidSport club.
  • Vouchers can also be used across multiple KidSport clubs, helping more children to get active and connect with community sport.

https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/funding/sport-and-recreation-funding/kidsport

TASMANIA

Ticket to Play

  • Ticket to Play is a Tasmanian Government initiative designed to reduce the cost of participating in club sporting activities for Tasmanian children.
  • aged between 5 and 17 years old at the time of application
  • One voucher worth up to $100 is available per eligible child in 2020.

https://www.communities.tas.gov.au/ticket-to-play

For more information on the participation programs involved with Tenpin Bowling head to:

Or contact either your state or territory participation coordinator or a programs manager for more information:

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