Community sport is at the heart of Australian life with 14 million of us playing, cheering, or volunteering every week. But too many clubs are struggling to keep up with rising costs and extreme weather.
That's why the Federal Government has committed $50 million over four years to launch Game On, a landmark program modelled on the Cricket for Climate blueprint.
Game On will support up to 500 community clubs nationwide with upgrades that cut costs, boost resilience, and keep our clubs strong, sustainable, and central to community life.
Game On is a new national program, inspired by the Cricket for Climate blueprint, to future-proof community sport. Over the next four years, up to 500 clubs will get support for upgrades like:
Backed by a $50 million Federal Government investment, Game On is about keeping clubs strong, resilient, and at the heart of Australian life.
Community clubs are the beating heart of Australian sport.
14 million Australians play, watch, or volunteer each week - but two-thirds of clubs are struggling to keep the lights on, and one in four have considered closing (ASF, 2023).
Add in the growing impacts of heatwaves, floods, and storms, many clubs are at risk. Without action, more kids and families will miss out on the games they love. Game On is here to turn that around.
Every club is different, but support could cover:
Upgrades will be tailored to each club's needs.
Game On means stronger clubs, bigger savings, and healthier communities:
The final design of Game On, including the application process, is still being worked through.
More details will be shared soon.
The program will support 500 clubs across Australia. Eligibility criteria will be confirmed when the final design is released.
No! The intent is to make upgrades as easy and affordable as possible, recognising that most clubs are already stretched. The exact details will be confirmed shortly.
That's awesome! There's no one-size-fits-all approach. Each club will identify its priorities, whether that's energy, weather resilience, or safer facilities.
Clubs supported by Cricket for Climate projects already save between $2,000–$10,000 a year through lower energy bills, battery storage, and sometimes selling energy back to the grid. Those savings go straight back into the game - from girls' participation programs to new equipment.
Game On will rely on Australian businesses to deliver solutions, from clean energy to infrastructure. More details on procurement and partnerships will follow.
Start the conversation at your club. Think about the challenges you face, and the opportunities upgrades could bring. Getting on the front foot now means you'll be ready when applications open.