Local Sporting Champions continues to support more aspiring young sportspeople than ever before, with Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta encouraging families to apply for the next round of the popular grants program by 30 September 2019.

The Morrison Government’s Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance to aspiring young athletes, coaches and officials between the ages of 12-18 attending eligible state, national or international sporting championships.

Mr Vasta said Local Sporting Champions, managed by Sport Australia, was an important initiative for talented young sportspeople and their families.

“Local Sporting Champions provides an opportunity for aspiring young athletes from the Bonner Electorate to take part in high level competition,” Mr Vasta said.

“This program helps support families meet the costs associated with attending sporting competitions such as competition entry fees, travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment.

Local Sporting Champions continues to grow, with the Morrison Government announcing a funding boost in 2018-19 of $11.8million over four years. Funding starts at $500 per grant, with additional provisions for longer distance travel.

Minister for Youth and Sport Richard Colbeck said assisting families to engage in high level sporting competition would help meet the Morrison Government’s Sport 2030 plan to help more Australians be more active more often.

“Local Sporting Champions has already delivered more than $30 million in grants to more than 52,000 young Australians,” Minister Colbeck said.

“Sport and physical activity is a valuable part of any child’s development, so this program is a great investment in the health of our nation.”

Applications for the Local Sporting Champions program are open throughout the entire year, with four assessment periods. To be considered for the next assessment period, applications must be in by 30 September, 2019.

For more information on Local Sporting Champions grants, including the eligibility criteria and to apply, visit www.sportaus.gov.au/lsc