OPTUS GRANT KICKS OFF THE BALLINA SOCCER CLUBS FEMALE PARTICIPATION PROJECT

The Ballina Soccer Club will celebrate the success of its inaugural ‘Female Participation Project’ this Tuesday 23 April, thanks to $7,600 in funding from the ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program. The Optus funding supports training and development for girls and women at the club by providing female-focused coaching kits and access to personal trainers.

Established 40 years ago, The Ballina Soccer Club offers the local community with facilities to improve their fitness in a social environment. The ‘Female Participation Project’ provides players with coaching equipment including soccer balls and bibs, and personal coaching assistance to help motivate and develop their sporting skills.

Tony Dunn, President of The Ballina Soccer Club, said, “The ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program encourages more female players to participate in the club and develop their skills and enjoyment of the game. Since the project began, the skill levels of our players has increased, translating into better game play on the weekends.”

Helen Maisano, Associate Director, Corporate Social Responsibility at Optus said, “Optus is delighted to support The Ballina Soccer Club and give girls and women in the community an opportunity to build their social confidence through sport.”

The annual ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program awards funding of up to $10,000 to not-for-profit organisations that help build social inclusion in communities. Since 2008, Optus has awarded $880,000 in grants to 165 community organisations across Australia.

Tony Dunn and club representatives will be cheering on players of the ‘Female Participation Project’ at the Ballina Soccer Club this Tuesday.

PHOTOCALL OPPORTUNITY:
WHEN: Tuesday 23 April, 5-6pm
WHERE: Ballina Soccer Inc., Corner of Canal Road and Tamar Street Ballina, NSW
WHY: A chance to see Ballina’s inaugural ‘Female Participation Project’ in action
ATTENDING: Tony Dunn, President of The Ballina Soccer Club; Annalea Patch, Club Secretary, Women’s Registrar and player; Tony Meldrum, Club Treasurer and player; players of the ‘Female Participation Project’ and Julie Welch, ‘yes’ Optus Ballina Store Manager

About Optus in the Community: For more information on the ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program please visit https://www.optus.com.au/shop/aboutoptus/communitygrants

Media contact:
Julia Clarke
Fuel Communications
(02) 8217 6505