Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack on Monday unveiled a $20,650 grant to be split between 33 junior athletes.

Patrick Voss (Australian rules football), Hugh Jenkins (soccer), Ally Morphett (Australian rules football), Jessica Wendt (softball), Sophie Gooden (softball), Matthew Moffat (athletics), Luke Tudulu (rugby union) and Mindy Quade (Australian rules football) are among those benefiting from the grant.

“These grants will go a long way to helping our talented youngsters compete on a broader scale, whether it is at a national or state championship or indeed on the international stage,” McCormack said.

“This program is a great initiative from the federal government and I am proud to be able to deliver this money to help nurture and develop our future sports stars.”

A new round of the program is currently open until 28 February and Mr McCormack urged any eligible sports people aged between 12 and 18 years old to go to the www.sportaus.gov.au website to apply.

Each successful applicant receives at least $500 plus an extra $50 for living in a rural electorate.

If the applicant’s championship destination is between 800km to 1,999km away, another $100 is added and if the competition is more than 2,000km away, they receive an extra $200.

This most recent grant sees government contribution towards youth sport in the Riverina total in excess of $44,000.

READ MORE