Rugby League Central Coast and Wyong Leagues Club unveil junior registration subsidy program

Shortly after one local sporting club announced plans to assist parents with junior registration payments, a new Central Coast-wide initiative has been unveiled.

Rugby League Central Coast and Wyong Leagues Club have announced a huge junior sport subsidy program. Picture: CCDJRL

Shortly after one Central Coast sporting club announced plans to assist parents with the cost of junior registration, a new wide-ranging plan to subsidise payments of junior rugby league players across the region has been unveiled.

The Wyong Leagues Group, working in conjunction with Rugby League Central Coast, announced that it will offer a $100 fee subsidy program for junior rugby league players in 2024.

The initiative applies to those playing in the under-5 to under-13 age groups at 14 participating junior clubs, except where clubs offer their own registration subsidies.

The participating clubs are Berkeley Vale Panthers, Blue Haven Raiders, Budgewoi Buff Point Bulldogs, Erina Eagles, Gosford-Kariong Storm, Kincumber Colts, Northern Lakes Warriors, Ourimbah Wyoming Magpies, Terrigal-Wamberal Sharks, Toukley Hawks, Umina Beach Bunnies, Warnervale Bulls, Woy Woy Roosters and Wyong Roos.

The Junior Rugby League Subsidy Program, which is expected to benefit about 3000 local kids at a cost of $300,000, comes amid cost-of-living challenges and changes to the state government’s Active Kids program.

The subsidy plan benefits 14 participating clubs. Picture: AAP Image/Sue Graham

While all school-aged children previously received a $100 voucher to be used for junior sporting activities, the program has been scaled back to a new means-tested model that provides eligible families with two separate $50 vouchers per child, available at different times of the year.

“We are thrilled to announce the registration subsidy program by Wyong Leagues Group,” said Nathan Waugh, chairman of Rugby League Central Coast.

“This includes players that have already registered prior to this announcement, returning players to the game and new registrations. This invaluable support will significantly ease the financial burden on families, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate in our beloved sport.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to Ben Coghlan, CEO, the board and entire team at Wyong Leagues Group for the unwavering commitment to our community, youth development and the sustainable growth of rugby league in our region.”

The announcement comes amid concerns the financial pressure on families in the current economic climate would affect junior registrations, and follows the unveiling of a similar scheme by local rugby league club The Entrance.

The initiative is designed to encourage registration for the 2024 season. Picture: CCDJRL

In an initiative funded by The Entrance Leagues Club, the Tigers’ junior club announced that it will reduce registration fees for all players from under-6s to under-17s by $50 for the season.

This brings the cost of registrations down to $110 at the club, while those eligible for Active Kids vouchers will only be required to pay $60.

“League normally is played by families on the lower end of the socio-economic scale and we’ve got families at the club who really do it tough,” said Justin Brolly, whose children Cruz and Gypsy both play for The Entrance. “They won’t come out and tell you, but there are families there who are struggling. Some of them have got three or four kids playing. For these families with an Active Kids voucher, it’s $60 to register their kid,” he added.

“It’s the ultimate encouragement. If some sports are $600 and we’re $60, that’s a big incentive.”

To register for Wyong Leagues Group’s subsidy program and apply for a reimbursement, click on this link or go to the group’s website and follow the “JRL subsidy” link.

Meanwhile information on The Entrance’s subsidy plan can be found on the club’s website and social media pages.

THE ENTRANCE UNVEILS SUBSIDY PROGRAM

Amid an increase in the cost of living and changes to family subsidies for junior sport, one local sporting club on the Central Coast has taken the step of subsiding all registrations for junior players in 2024.

The Entrance Tigers Junior Rugby League Club has announced that it will reduce registration fees for all players from under-6s to under-17s by $50 for the season, in an initiative funded by The Entrance Leagues Club.

This comes as the NSW government announced changes to its Active Kids program, which club officials fear could result in a reduction in junior participation.

While all school-aged children previously received a $100 voucher to be used for junior sporting activities, the program has been scaled back to a new means-tested model that provides eligible families with two separate $50 vouchers per child, available at different times of the year.

“I think it’s going to affect registrations of children’s sport all over because people just can’t afford that extra little bit,” said Sarah Williams, who is on The Entrance’s junior committee. “We do feel like it will impact our registration numbers, which in turn will affect local families and the community as a whole.”

The Entrance Leagues Club will subsidise all junior players’ registrations costs. Picture: AAP Image/Sue Graham

The Tigers’ subsidy, to be funded by the leagues club, will see junior registration costs reduced from $160 to $110 per child, which also includes the cost of shorts, socks and a club polo shirt. In addition, those eligible for Active Kids vouchers will see the cost of registration fall to just $60.

“Knowing that this reduction in vouchers was going to hit our registrations, we just came up with ideas on how we can help families and we’re very grateful that the leagues club has supported us,” said Williams. “We also have a family discount for the second player who joins the club, so that will bring the price down even more.”

One parent who will benefit from the initiative is Justin Brolly, whose two children Cruz and Gypsy play for the Tigers’ under-17 boys and under-13 girls tackle sides.

“League normally is played by families on the lower end of the socio-economic scale and we’ve got families at the club who really do it tough. They won’t come out and tell you, but there are families there who are struggling. Some of them have got three or four kids playing. For these families with an Active Kids voucher, it’s $60 to register their kid,” he said.

“It’s the ultimate encouragement. If some sports are $600 and we’re $60, that’s a big incentive.”

The Tigers hope the incentivise will keep young footballers in the game. Picture: AAP Image/Sue Graham

The issue of the cost of junior sport has been a hot topic in recent times as inflation and tighter economic conditions have squeezed many household budgets.

While local junior rugby league registration costs vary from around $160-$200, costs for local soccer clubs are often higher, at around $260-$280, with some parents of talented players forced to pay upwards of $1000 to enrol their children in elite pathway programs.

And while registration is one of the costs, parents also have to purchase additional equipment, such as boots, headgear and mouthguards, which can often vary in price.

“The cheapest set of boots you could buy are probably 50 or 60 bucks, and you can go all the way up to $300,” said Brolly.

“You can shove a pair of gumboots on a six-year-old and it’s not going to bother them, but with the teens, you find they need better footwear or their feet are going to hurt.”

While the Tigers are fortunate to have the backing of The Entrance Leagues Club, one of the largest leagues clubs on the Coast, there are concerns that other clubs may experience a drop in junior registration as the increased pressure on household budgets and a change to the Active Kids program bites.

Given these concerns in the community, it is understood that Rugby League Central Coast is in the process of finalising its own initiative to ease the burden of registration costs across the division, which is expected to be announced before the start of the junior rugby league season.