• 10,000th Aboriginal child signs up for KidSport program
• $2.33 million investment so far to help Aboriginal kids join a sporting club

Latest statistics show that Aboriginal children now make up one in five KidSport participants who are playing sport and involved in a club in Western Australia.

Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies today announced more than 10,000 Aboriginal children had now joined a sport or recreation club thanks to the State Government’s program, which offered $200 vouchers to pay for club fees.

“Signing up 10,000 Aboriginal children in a few years is testament to the strength of KidSport and how much sporting clubs and the community have embraced the program,” Ms Davies said.

“A total of $2.33 million has been invested to help Aboriginal children get active through this program and there are now 1,317 clubs with at least one Aboriginal KidSport kid as a member.

“In terms of numbers, you could say the program has created the equivalent of 384 new footy teams, 640 basketball teams and 437 netball teams – made up of Aboriginal KidSport kids – since the program began in 2011.

“It shows just how many children want to get involved in sports – but who may be missing out due to financial circumstances.  The program helps those families by paying for club fees, making it easier for kids to get involved in sports.”

The top clubs with Aboriginal KidSport kids are Murlpirrmarra Connection (Wiluna), Armadale Junior Football Club, Broome Basketball Association, Balga Junior Football Club, Meekatharra Community Resource Centre and Northam Amateur Basketball Association.  The most popular sports are AFL, basketball, netball, soccer, swimming and athletics.

Overall, the program celebrated 50,000 unique kids – who were new to the program – in September 2015 and, to date, 54,449 individual children have accessed 90,903 vouchers.

The $17 million KidSport program gives eligible five to 18-year-old children $200 towards their sporting club fees.  Accessing it can be done through local government via a health care card or a referral agent.