Sports Central has been working with Regional Sport Victoria (RSV) to introduce the Stride into Sport campaign, aiming to boost club registrations. This campaign will actively promote sporting opportunities available over the Summer and highlight how the barriers to sport can be overcome.
The impact of COVID-19 on regional community sports are still felt today. Amongst children and youth in Victoria (aged 4-19 years), there was a loss of 175,708 participants in 2020 compared to 2019. Many of these juniors cannot continue participating in community sports due to financial pressures and the risk of COVID-19. Causing an impact on fundamental movement and skill development which are so important.
Sports Central wants to support the vital social connection and community aspect of Summer sports. Through the help of some wonderful programs such as the Get Active Kids Vouchers, we can continue to get juniors striding back into the sports they love.
Executive Officer of Sports Central, Michael Flynn said how crucial junior participation was for the sporting communities
“Young people have been heavily impacted with the lack of continuity with their sports over last few years” he said.
“Junior sport is an essential part to so many of our clubs and associations. Strong junior programs and family involvement leads to more vibrant community sport.”
“Sports Central is working closely with our local clubs and associations to support new and engaging participation opportunities for young people.”
Speaking about the importance of junior sport participation in regional Victoria, RSV General Manager Meghan Mayman stated how this campaign can provide a great opportunity to continue encouraging juniors to get active over Summer.
“Juniors are so important to the growth of our community sports. Over the next few weeks, we want to showcase the benefits of being part of a sporting club.” She said.
“Stride into Sport provides a spotlight on the registration period for community sport and recreation clubs across regional Victoria. Let’s inspire as many kids as possible to make the next strides into sport.”
For more information about Stride into Sport, click HERE.
For more information regarding the organised sports available, please select your sport by clicking HERE.
*VicHealth (24 February 2022) Victorian participation in organised sport, VicHealth, accessed 27 September 2022.