Brimbank cricket clubs have signed up to a program to help children in financially struggling families to play sport.
The In2Sport Brimbank subsidy program provides up to $200 towards club fees for children aged six to 18 whose families have Health Care or Pension Concession cards.
Kealba Green Gully Cricket Club is one of 11 clubs involved in the In2Sport program and, so far, 15 children between seven and 11 have signed up to play.
Junior co-ordinator Tony Hosking said it meant more players would join the developing junior section.
“Cost is one of the restrictions on kids playing sport and this removes that barrier,” he said. “It means all children can get involved.”
Mr Hosking said the program reduced the cost of junior cricket from between $65 and $100 for a season to $16-$25 per child.
Brimbank administrative chairman John Watson said only three local cricket clubs were involved in the program last year.
“Our local cricket clubs have clearly recognised the benefits and potential of the program,” Mr Watson said.
“This is fantastic for the program, great for the clubs and even better for young people in our community.”
Cricket Victoria has shown its support for cricket participation in Brimbank, providing $8000 towards the 2014-15 program.
Almost 30 sports clubs are now registered for the In2Sport Brimbank program, compared to 13 last summer, and the overall program has a funding pool of $45,000.
In2Sport has helped more than 650 young people get involved in organised sport and recreation in Brimbank since its introduction in February 2013.
About 350 of those had never been involved in organised sport before.
