Junior netball clubs across Australia can apply for the grants, which have been developed by ANZ to support netball at a junior level.
ANZ Ambassadors, Melbourne Vixen star Sharelle McMahon, Queensland Firebirds goal keeper and defender Laura Geitz, Adelaide Thunderbirds centre and wing Natalie von Bertouch, NSW Swifts shooter Susan Pratley and West Coast Fever defender Susan Fuhrmann, have put aside team rivalry to encourage junior clubs to apply for the program.
NSW Swifts dynamo and ANZ Ambassador, Susan Pratley, said the grants will provide much needed funding for junior netball clubs across Australia.
“Community clubs work extremely hard to provide junior netballers with the chance to develop their passion for the sport. The financial assistance provided by these grants allows clubs to continue to support and develop young players.
“Applications are now open and I encourage junior netball clubs on the north coast to make the most of this opportunity,” Ms Pratley said.
ANZ has been the major sponsor for the ANZ Championship since its inception in 2008 and recently renewed its naming rights sponsorship for an additional three years. The ANZ Junior Club of the Week program is a new expansion of ANZ’s support of netball into the community.
ANZ Australia, Head of Marketing, Karen Donaldson said, “ANZ has a long history of supporting Australian netball. This new junior program demonstrates our commitment to the development of the sport. These grants will hopefully relieve some of the financial stress and allow clubs to focus on the development of future netball stars.”
An additional 21 clubs will be selected as runners-up and will also receive a $500 grant. All winning and runner-up clubs will be invited to attend an ANZ Championship game in their home state and be invited to take part in the ANZ Quarter Time activities.
To apply, north coast junior netball clubs must identify why they should be selected as the ANZ Junior Club of the Week. Information and on-line application forms are available at
www.anznetball.com.
