Financial Assistance Available for Young Footballers Representing Their State or Country

Young Australian footballers heading to state, national or international championships can receive financial assistance through the Australian Sports Commission’s Local Sporting Champions program.

The 2026–27 program provides grants of between $500 and $750 to eligible competitors, coaches and officials aged 13 to 18, helping cover the costs associated with attending eligible championships.

The base grant is $500, with additional funding available depending on travel requirements. Applicants travelling between 800 and 1,999 kilometres can receive an additional $100, while those travelling internationally or more than 2,000 kilometres can receive an additional $200. Young people living in a rural electorate may also receive an additional $50.

For football clubs and families, the program could provide valuable assistance with the growing costs of representative football, including travel and participation expenses.

Eligibility depends on the age of the applicant and the level of competition. Participants turning 13 to 18 can apply for eligible state championships, while those turning 14 to 18 can attend state or national championships. Participants turning 15 to 18 can also apply when attending international championships.

Applications for the current round opened on 1 September 2026 and close on 31 October 2026. Eligible competitions for this round must take place between 1 July 2026 and 28 February 2027.

Applicants must submit their applications online once the program team selects them and they confirm their participation. The program is competitive, so applicants may not receive funding.

For young footballers facing significant travel and competition costs, the Local Sporting Champions program offers an opportunity to offset some of the financial burden while pursuing opportunities at higher levels of the game.