WA State Government doubles KidSport voucher to help families in need pay for junior sports

Hot on the heels of Matildas’ mania inspiring the next generation of sporting legends, families in need will get extra money to help cover the rising costs of junior sports.

The State Government has announced it will double the KidSport voucher for eligible families from $150 to $300.

The voucher can be spent on sporting fees, equipment and uniforms and is typically available to children with a valid health care card.

The eligibility has also been expanded to children in care, including those being cared for by grandparents, and children of refugees.

Roger Cook said the Government wanted all children to have the chance to connect with their communities through sports and to stay active.

“That’s why we are doubling the value of KidSport vouchers - to enable families who may be struggling, to apply for up to $300 per eligible child, to help cover the costs of participating in sport,” the Premier said.

“We want to make sure that every Western Australian kid gets the opportunity to play organised sports because it’s so good for their health and their well-being.”

Sport Minister David Templeman said community sport was important to generating activity and participation among kids in WA.

Mr Templeman said expanding the program to children of asylum seekers would help people from multicultural backgrounds to connect with their communities.

The Minister said he expected the FIFA Womens World Cup would continue to drive youth interest in sport.

“For female participation (the FIFA World Cup) has been remarkable. Not just in football, but in other codes as well. And we need to make sure that we cater for the growth in that,” he said.

“The World Cup has that if you have the passion, the commitment and the support of a loving family and the community with great clubs and junior development; then anything is possible.”

KidSport is open children between five and 18. Go online for more information or to apply.