Active Schools Grants Nurturing Our Future Sports Stars

1 November, 2023

More than 100 school students have rubbed shoulders with the stars of the Melbourne Renegades Women’s team today, batting and bowling across cricket clinics as part of the Allan Labor Government’s Active Schools program.

Minister for Education Ben Carroll today announced more than 400 schools will share in $6.7 million of funding under the Active Schools initiative which gives grants to schools that support them to help get local students get physically active.

Melbourne Renegades Women players today taught students from Roxburgh College and Nathalia Secondary College a variety of cricket skills at today’s clinics at the Junction Oval before the students settled in to watch the team’s clash with the Sydney Thunder.

The joint initiative by Cricket Victoria, Melbourne Renegades, and Active Schools encourages children especially girls, to get active while showcasing and celebrating pathways in community cricket.

The initiative includes a toolkit for school leaders and teachers, advice from expert Physical Activity Advisors and funding for schools with around 500 schools participating since Active Schools was launched in 2021.

Schools have previously used their Active Schools funding to upskill PE teachers, purchase sports and fitness equipment, implement programs such as bicycle education, circus and dance, build outdoor learning spaces, make upgrades to playgrounds, install sensory play areas and cover costs associated with sports and physical activities.

The initiative encourages students to get involved in physical activity and develop healthy lifelong habits.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll

“Physical activity is fundamental to our health and wellbeing – that is why we’re delivering Active Schools to more than 400 schools this year alone.”

“Giving students more opportunities to increase their physical activity ensures they get the best start in life and helps them develop lifelong healthy habits.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence

“Getting more young Victorians involved in sports helps them thrive physically and mentally, and the Active Schools programs is making sure that students – in particular young women – get access to these benefits, no matter their background or where they live.”

Quote attributable to Member for Greenvale Iwan Walters

“We’re making sure more local students across Greenvale can enjoy the benefits of participating in sport through their education – and it’s so encouraging to see our cricket stars of tomorrow develop their skills even further with the Active Schools program.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“The Active Schools program provides more opportunities for young people in our state’s north to nurture their sporting passions, and I’m thrilled that Nathalia Secondary College’s students are out getting active.”