Media Release

Teams unite to back Australia’s local clubs and communities impacted by COVID-19

St.George Bank has affirmed and assured its commitment to four footy codes amid an uncertain future for Australian sport.

They are dedicated to standing strong with their sporting partnerships and doubling this year’s funding for the St.George Footy Grant Program to a total of $200,000, aimed to provide much-needed financial support to the grassroots football community hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis.

St.George Bank is the naming rights sponsor to the St.George Illawara Dragons men’s and women’s teams; one of the longest unbroken partnerships in Australian sport.

The bank also holds a 10-year-long partnership with the QRU which includes St.George Queensland Reds men’s and women’s team, and most recently Brisbane’s LGBTQI Rugby Team, The Hustlers. St.George are also a sleeve sponsor to the GWS Giants and the major partner to the Brisbane Football Club – covering four codes of footy across Australia.

General Manager for St.George Bank, Ross Miller said staying firm on the bank’s sporting sponsorships remains critical in keeping the codes viable during tough times.

“We’re proud to extend our love of footy and partner with our codes to provide local grassroots clubs essential funding and support during one of the most challenging seasons the industry has experienced.”

The grants are available to community football clubs around Australia to help with funding, equipment giveaways, registration fee assistance and relevant business support.

“Local grassroots clubs have been hit hard by current social distancing restrictions. Our Footy Grants Program is needed more than ever in order to alleviate some of the pressures that clubs, teams and individuals are facing in this extraordinary situation – which is why we have committed an extra $100,000 to the program this year,” says Mr Miller.

“Community needs have changed drastically, and we’re seeing clubs needing to adapt to the evolving situation. Grassroots sport plays an essential role in our community, and we want to help local teams keep the lights on and facilities running, so we can see them back on the field as soon as possible.”  

Players, families and friends of teams, coaches and volunteers are invited to apply or nominate for a grant that would help benefit their community on or off the field.

Applications and nominations are open until 5pm AEST on 31 May 2020. Nominations are open for QLD, NSW & ACT residents over the age of 13 years old who want to put forward an individual nomination or a registered local club they think would benefit from a St.George Footy Grant. Individuals and clubs are also welcome to self-nominate.

To nominate, apply or find out more information visit: stgeorge.com.au/footygrants
 

Media enquiries:

Penny Mahon
mahonp@stgeorge.com.au
M: 0434 185 590
 

About the St.George Footy Grants Program

Applications and nominations are open until 5pm AEST on 30 June 2020 and should outline how the grant funds would be of assistance throughout these challenging times. There is $200,000 available that will be allocated to these four codes of sporting communities around the country. Nominations are open for residents over the age of 13 years old who want to put forward an individual or registered local football club that they think would benefit from a St.George Footy Grant. Individuals and clubs are also welcomed to self-nominate.

There are countless ways that the St.George Footy Grants can support local teams, ideas include:

• Provide registration fee support for those clubs who remain closed due to COVID-19
• New training equipment for when clubs reopen, balls, tackle bags, medical supplies for training purposes
• Group or one-on-one online coaching for individuals and teams
• Providing upgrades (small to large field or club house changes) for when clubs reopen
• Financially assisting part time staff who may have lost their income