Monday 19 May, 2025: Netball clubs and associations nationwide have the chance to secure a portion of $100,000 in grants thanks to the return of the Woolworths Netball Grants.
The initiative is open to the many local netball clubs and associations across Australia, including those that operate a Woolworths NetSetGo centre, with an increased number of grants available this year.
Woolworths has been a supporter of grassroots netball, in partnership with Netball Australia since 2019, donating more than $1.4 million to hundreds of clubs across the country largely through the allocation of Woolworths Netball Grants.
These grants are designed to support local netball by promoting healthier eating habits and increased physical activity among young players. As part of an ongoing commitment to grassroots communities, the funds are intended to provide netball clubs the opportunity to upgrade or provide new facilities, equipment, uniforms or services, improve access to Woolworths NetSet Go or improve nutrition for members.
A key feature of the program is the return of the successful $20,000 People’s Choice Award, allocated to the club or association with the most votes. Now in its third year, the award encourages engagement among local members and supporters, bringing a sense of unity across the netball community.
Epping Football Netball Club in Victoria, last year's People’s Choice Award winners, can attest to the program's positive impact. Meaghan Coyle, Junior Netball Coordinator, said: “Since winning the Woolworths People’s Choice Netball Grant, we’ve tripled our number of Woolworths NetSetGo participants, which is really exciting.
“We have been able to use the money from the grant to purchase new equipment for the growing junior teams as well as providing healthy snacks at training sessions. Another invaluable purchase has been our portable tower lights which have enabled us to train safely later in the darker evenings as we approach winter.”
Netball remains the number one sport for women and girls in Australia, with latest AusPlay Data showing that over 315,000 children play organised netball out-of-school each year.
Commenting on the importance of the grants, former Australian Diamonds player and Woolworths NetSetGo ambassador, Catherine Cox, said: “The Woolworths Netball Grants program is a special one for me, not just as a coach, but as a parent.
“Coaching my young daughter’s local netball team, I’ve seen first-hand how sport brings kids together, builds confidence, and nurtures a true sense of belonging. It’s about more than just the game, it’s about giving children the chance to grow, thrive, and fall in love with an active, healthy lifestyle.
“Woolworths’ partnership with Netball Australia speaks volumes about their commitment to grassroots communities with programs like this helping grow the clubs and the sport of netball across Australia, as we look towards being World Cup hosts in 2027. By supporting initiatives like this, they’re also helping kids all over the country discover the lifelong benefits of teamwork, movement, and nourishing their bodies with good food.”
With recent research revealing only 1 in 10 Aussie kids meet the vegetable serving recommendations for a balanced diet and screen time on the rise, supporting healthy habits in young netballers has never been more important.
Woolworths Director of Stores, Jeanette Fenske said: “What makes this program truly special is its impact on the broader community - bringing families, volunteers and supporters together to create healthier, more connected clubs.
“There’s a number of ways funds awarded in the Woolworths Netball Grants program have been spent over the years.
“Not only is the money spent to help local clubs promote all aspects of nutrition, but our research shows it’s also being used for equipment upgrades and coach and player development.
“This program will continue to showcase the benefits of nutritious eating and active lifestyles, whether it’s oranges at halftime or bananas after the game, helping to fuel the next generation of athletes and strengthen the local netball community right across Australia.”
CEO of Netball Australia Stacey West added: "Netball is the number one sport for women and girls and our eight-year partnership with Woolworths has made a real difference to the sport at a grassroots level. In 2024 we saw over 54,000 Woolworths NetSetGo registrations.
“Together, we are proud to promote healthy eating—especially for the future rising talent of Australia.”
Clubs and associations across the country are encouraged to apply via https://woolworthsnetballgrants.com.au/, with applications now open until 29th August 2025.
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