SPORTING CHANCE

Sporting Chance - Overcoming Barriers to Playing Sport​​​​​​​

Sporting Chance is our programme that provides financial assistance to children from disadvantaged circumstances to help them take part in sport.  It funds participation and will assist with the basic costs of playing a sport.  Sporting Chance makes grants for the costs of:

  • Fees.  You can apply for the cost of club or schools fees for playing sport.  There are some exceptions - see below - so be sure to apply for the right costs to increase your chances of getting a grant.

  • Sporting footwear.  You can apply for the cost of sporting footwear such as football boots, court shoes or running shoes.

We do not make grants for:

  • Travel to or participation in tournaments, training camps, or similar one-off events.

  • Individual coaching where it incurs a charge above the basic fees.

  • The extra costs associated with high performance or elite competition, such as dress uniforms, higher grade equipment, etc.

To be eligible for a grant, a student must be:

  • Regularly attending school in Otago, and be between Years 1 and 13.

  • Participating in an ongoing sporting commitment, which could be a season or a year depending on the sport.

  • Have genuine financial need as determined by the referring body.

Sporting Chance FAQ’s

  • How much can I apply for?  Sporting Chance is a small grant fund so you shouldn’t expect too much money.  For most applicants, we can pay for a pair of footwear, a season's fees, or similar costs.  Tell us what your total costs are and we will give you what support we can.

  • How often can I apply?  You can apply up to twice a year if the student is playing a winter and a summer sport, or once a year for an annual sport. 

  • Why don’t you cover tournament costs?  Sporting Chance is a participation fund and is aimed at getting as many children involved in sport as possible.  It is not the purpose of this fund to help with representative or elite sport.

  • Will my child's name be publicised?  No. We do ask for a letter of thanks from all recipients, but names are removed before they are used for publicity purposes. 

How to Apply to Sporting Chance

All applications to Sporting Chance must be made through a Sporting Chance referee on an official application form. Application forms are available from schools and support agencies throughout Otago. All applications must be signed by the applicant's parent or guardian and a Sporting Chance referee. A letter will then be sent to the relevant Sporting Chance referee notifying them of the outcome.

Schools or social agencies can request an application form. 

We are very grateful for the support of Stirling Sports who have helped us get hundreds of kids on court and on the sports field.