Footy stars say more kids can kick goals through FairPlay

• Round 10 of the Queensland Government’s FairPlay program is now open.
• FairPlay assists eligible families with the cost of sports memberships, registration or participation fees for children.
• More than $6 million in over 40,000 vouchers is available through this round.

Brisbane Broncos and Brisbane Lions footy stars are encouraging more families to take advantage of the Queensland Government’s FairPlay program to help eligible families with the cost of children’s sports.

Through vouchers valued up to $150, FairPlay is designed to help reduce the cost of sports memberships, registration or participation fees, and ease cost-of-living pressures.

Round 10 of the program provides more than $6 million worth of vouchers to assist with getting children aged between five and 17 onto sporting fields or involved in active recreation programs.

Applications will be open from 24 January 2024 to 1 May 2024, with vouchers to be redeemed by clubs and organisations by 12 June 2024.

In an added bonus, the expiry date of more than 4 000 vouchers of Round 9 FairPlay vouchers has been extended.  This will allow these vouchers to be presented to clubs and organisations until 1 May 2024.  Clubs and organisation can also redeem Round 9 FairPlay vouchers until 12 June 2024.

Since the program began in 2019, an investment of over $27 million has seen more than 182,000 vouchers redeemed by eligible families. The FairPlay program is part of the Queensland Government’s 10-year Activate! Queensland Strategy to get more Queenslanders moving more often.

Quotes attributable to Sport Minister Michael Healy:

“FairPlay is helping thousands of kids play sport and be more active,” Mr Healy said.

“The Miles State Government knows that families are doing their best to manage cost of living pressures, and FairPlay helps to break down the financial barriers involved with organised sport and recreation activities.

“In fact, since the program began in 2019, it has seen more than 182,000 vouchers redeemed, saving Queensland families over $27 million.

“More Queensland kids are getting involved in activities such as rugby league, AFL, netball, bushwalking and abseiling, where without the program, they may have been out of reach for many.

“We’ll continue to assist our families, clubs and organisations, to help more young Queenslanders be more active, more often.”

Quotes attributable to Brisbane Broncos captain Adam Reynolds 

“This is a great initiative to get more young kids involved in sport, and hopefully the game we love, rugby league.

“As a Dad of four young kids, I’m around junior sport a fair bit, at clubs like Arana Hills, and I see the positive impact it can have on kids’ lives, mentally and physically.

“This is a great way to give kids and families a helping hand to make sure they don’t miss out on these opportunities.”

Quotes attributable to Brisbane Lions player Cal Ah Chee:

“Playing footy growing up is such a great experience and I’ve met so many people through my football journey.

“Being a member of a footy club is like having an extended family with physical and social benefits.

“AFL participation continues to grow across QLD and initiatives like FairPlay helps families get their kids active and gives them the opportunity to have a go.”

 For more information on FairPlay visit  https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/fairplay  

ENDS

Media contact – Peter Michael 0477 948 091