TAC Club Rewards: 2021 Recipients Revealed

More than 150 grassroots football and netball clubs across Victoria will share in more than $1 million as a reward for helping prevent death and serious injury on our roads.

Successful clubs will receive up to $10,000 from the Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) Club Rewards Program aimed at rewarding clubs that have promoted road safety throughout the season.

The rewards are a welcome boost to grassroots football following the second season in a row severely impacted by the COVID pandemic, which has meant clubs have had fewer opportunities than normal to raise funds.

The program is part of the TAC’s 30-year partnership with AFL Victoria and provides a platform to speak directly to Victorians travelling hundreds of kilometres on the state’s roads every year for training and games.

Brad Scott, Head of AFL Victoria, thanked TAC for its commitment to community football.

“TAC has been an incredible supporter of community football in Victoria over many years and the Club Rewards Program is yet another major show of support.

“Clubs, participants and volunteers will benefit tremendously, with the financial boost made all-the-more important given the challenges so many clubs and communities have faced in the past 18 months.”

Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the challenges and the loss of key fundraising events.

“This program is an opportunity to support clubs and reward them for their dedication to promoting road safety and keeping their members and the community safe on our roads.” Carroll said.

Clubs will use the money initiatives including safety improvements; launching a women’s team; updating equipment and facilities; upskilling members, coaches and providing medical training; and providing information sessions on topics such as mental health.

AFL Victoria-affiliated clubs from across the state were able to apply for the program by showing their support to road safety throughout the season, including taking part in the TAC’s Band Together campaign.

Hundreds of clubs took part in the campaign by taking to social media to show they were wearing blue armbands for the round, despite the round TAC’s Road Safety Round being postponed and eventually cancelled due to covid restrictions.

Clubs also shared personal stories of how road trauma had affected their club, including campaign ambassador St Kilda coach Brett Ratten.

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