The Australian Sports Foundation and Swysh are proud to announce the successful recipients of the first-ever Future Stars Grant Round. 

After receiving 280 applications from grassroots clubs nationwide, 24 volunteer-run clubs have been awarded a share of $100,000 in equipment funding, fulfilled by the ASF’s preferred equipment supplier. Applicants requested a total of $1,086,361.92, with an average of $3,879.86 each, highlighting the high demand for support.

While the program was initially set to cater to 20 clubs, the strong response meant it was extended to 24 recipients, delivering practical support where it is needed most.

Backing grassroots clubs across the country

Applications came from every state and territory, showing just how widespread the need is across metropolitan, regional and remote communities. 

Australian Sports Foundation Interim CEO Ryan Holloway said the response highlighted the critical role equipment plays in keeping kids active.

"Grassroots clubs are working incredibly hard to keep costs manageable for families, but the need for equipment, particularly new equipment, is essential to assist increased participation. The Future Stars Grant provides practical support that helps clubs maintain quality programs while ensuring the cost of participation remains affordable."

Making sport affordable

For many clubs, the grant is about more than just equipment. It is about removing barriers that stop kids from participating. Soccer boots, uniforms and registration fees quickly add up, and community clubs are working hard to keep costs manageable for families. 

Keon Park Soccer Club in Melbourne’s north is one of the successful applicants, receiving $4,235 worth of new balls, goals and training gear to support its rapidly growing junior program. The investment in the club's growth is already paying dividends, with the club's U12 boys team recently crowned state champions for their division.

“Four thousand dollars might not sound like much, but we have about 250 juniors and 80 seniors. At face value, that’s easily 15 or 20 dollars per player. It takes off pressure when it comes to deciding fees for next year,” says Chong, committee member at Keon Park.

Read the full Keon Park case study here.

Powered by Swysh

The Future Stars Grant was made possible through the ASF’s new partnership with Swysh, the video messaging platform where fans can book personalised videos from more than 1,500 sports stars and celebrities. Each video creates a memorable moment for the recipient while also giving back to community sport. 

From July to September, 10% of all Swysh sales went into the Future Stars Grant pool, which was set up to ease rising participation costs for juniors, giving clubs the essential equipment they need without adding extra strain on families. By lowering fees and reducing barriers, the Future Stars Grant helps more kids stay active and involved in sport.

Swysh CEO, Mike Roth, said:

"The athletes on Swysh do an amazing job of surprising and inspiring their fans through video messages, but being able to spread this positive impact to the broader community is truly special. By funding this equipment, we're aiming to directly reduce the financial burden of junior sport for families connected to these 24 grassroots clubs, ultimately making participation in sport possible for more kids around Australia."

Sport for the next generation

The first-ever Future Stars Grant round demonstrates both the scale of demand for support and the role that equipment can play in helping clubs keep kids in sport.

Get the full list of successful applicants here.