A $100 rebate per school-aged child that signs up to play sport is a great idea, according to Young Sports Advisory Council President Ben Cooper.
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The voucher is open to every family and is not means tested, and Mr Cooper said it could help Young children to keep active.
"Most parents do have to budget for the costs of their children's sporting activities, so anything that will help with costs and gets kids active has got to be a great initiative, " he said.
"It is important that children are given opportunities to participate in formal sport
“ For kids playing any code of football, you're looking at about $100 for a pair of boots and at least $30 for a mouthguard so that’s almost $150 before you even pay the rego, so it all adds up.
"No child should miss out on the benefits that come from being a part of a sporting team.
“Sport has so many social, emotional and health benefits for young people and we should be encouraging all young people to be active."
Member for Cootamundra Katrina Hodgkinson said the rebate might help address the region's burgeoning childhood obesity epidemic.
A 2015 study revealed the Riverina, which encompasses many parts of the Cootamundra electorate, had the highest rate of obesity in NSW.
"The Riverina has one of the highest obesity rates in the state, if not the entire country, so encouraging our kids to get involved in sport at an early age can only have positive effects on their health, well into the future,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
Ms Hodgkinson said agreed with Mr Cooper that the rebate would be helpful for Young parents.
"The $100 Active Kids Rebate is available to parents for each school-aged child engaged in sport or swimming lessons,” she said.
"Sport is a staple of regional towns, providing important health and recreational functions and helping bring communities together, yet I often hear parents say the cost of signing up their children to a sport is getting beyond their reach.
“This $100 annual rebate will help bridge that gap.”
How to register
Parents will be able to register online and can take a sports voucher to a registered sports club or provider to receive their rebate.
For details log onto the NSW Office of Sport’s website http://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/sectordevelopment/activekids
Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
