$200m ‘Play Our Way’ grants program yet to award funding

Spruiked as a “game-changer” for women’s sport, the grants have yet to change a single game with local clubs still waiting to find out if their applications were successful.

A $200m program to improve women and girls’ sporting facilities is yet get any cash out the door almost a year after being announced.

The Albanese government’s ‘play our way’ program was unveiled in the midst of the Matildas’ fever during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament.

The grants, spruiked as a “game-changer”, aim to boost participation by tackling the systemic problems facing girls when they enter sport.

But applicants for the program’s two streams – facilities, and participation and equipment – are still waiting to find out if they have been successful.

A federal health department spokesman said it had received more than 1600 applications across both streams.

“The department is currently working through assessment of these applications and will provide further advice to applicants as soon as possible,” he said.

Fans at Federation Square react as they watch the Matildas FIFA World Cup Semi Final Game. Picture: Darrian Traynor

Applications for the three-year program, which Anthony Albanese has touted as the “biggest infrastructure program ever for women and girls sport”, closed three months ago with money expected to flow from 2024-25.

Opposition sport spokeswoman Senator Anne Ruston said it was critical that communities get the sporting infrastructure that they need, as more young Australians are inspired to get out there and get active following the Olympics.

Senator Ruston said Labor’s failure to provide any significant update on its funding “after all this time” further proved that their announcement was “policy on the run”.

“Clearly, the government felt the pressure of being on the back foot at the time, with the Coalition taking the lead by announcing $250m in towards supporting community sporting infrastructure across the country,” Senator Ruston said.

The initial proposal was reportedly sent a day after the Matildas advanced to the quarterfinals after beating Denmark.

Documents released under freedom of information last year show that Sport Minister Anika Wells sought agreement for an “early announcement” less than a week before the end of the tournament.

Federal Sport Minister Anika Wells. Picture: Jason Edwards

Seville Cricket Club secretary David Peel said it had applied for a $5000 grant to advertise and build a women’s program, including new equipment and uniforms.

Mr Peel said the Seville recreation reserve, used by the cricket, football and netball clubs, was undergoing a multimillion upgrade that would provide new changerooms for all genders.

He said attractive facilities, combined with a supportive program, would help them grow participation including among netballers and footballers.

“Grants like this are important to local communities, because we can’t ask our members consistently to keep donating to raise funds,” Mr Peel said.

“Everyone’s feeling the pinch right now.”

He said it was frustrating when the grants process was slow.

“If we weren’t successful in our application, which is fine, we’d rather know so that we can move on with planning,” Mr Peel said.

“That’s probably the frustration with this one.”

Casey MP Aaron Violi said the highest growth opportunities for sporting clubs in his community was the significant increase in women’s participation.

Mr Violi said infrastructure had not kept pace with the influx.

“These delays risk undermining the hard won gains for women’s sport through national teams like the Matilda’s and the Olympics,” he said.

Sport Minister Anika Wells was contacted for comment.