Sports vouchers help 2778 Nicklin children get in the game

Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt, pictured at Nambour Netball courts, is encouraging local families to apply for the next round of $200 Play On! Sports Vouchers from July 27.

Almost 2800 children across the Nicklin electorate have received financial help to join local sporting clubs through the Queensland Government’s Play On! Sports Vouchers program.

Applications for the next round will open on Monday, July 27, offering eligible families vouchers worth up to $200 towards membership fees and participation costs.

The program is open to Queensland children and young people aged five to 17, with families able to use the assistance for summer or winter sport.

Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt said 2778 children across the electorate had benefited during the program’s first year.

“This is real cost of living relief that is getting kids active, supporting local clubs, and backing families in your community,” Mr Hunt said.

“Our local sporting clubs do far more than teach skills on the field – they build confidence, friendships and stronger communities.

“By making sport more affordable, Play On! Sports Vouchers are helping more local children experience those benefits while giving our clubs across Nicklin the support they need to continue growing.”

Across Queensland, more than 293,800 vouchers were used in the program’s first year, with soccer attracting the most participants at 52,529. Rugby league followed with 33,972 participants and netball with 27,369.

More than 3750 sporting clubs across the state now accept the vouchers, including almost 2500 offering programs for people with disability.

The State Government said 13,917 vouchers went to children and young people with disability, a 33 per cent increase compared with the previous voucher program. Girls received 129,050 vouchers, representing a 30 per cent increase.

The government has allocated $62.5 million annually for four years to continue the program. Dedicated voucher allocations will remain available for children with disability and those living in regional and remote communities.

“I encourage families to jump online and apply from July 27,” Mr Hunt said.