Sporting Schools is an Australian Government initiative designed to help schools increase children's participation in sport and connect them with community sport opportunities.

Programs are provided free to children and their families to help students build the confidence and capability to be active for life.

Sporting Schools offers grant opportunities for primary schools, and targeted grant opportunities for secondary schools in relation to Years 7 and 8 students. Grants support the delivery of sport-based programs to help students build the confidence and capability to be active for life.

Sporting Schools has partnered with more than 35 national sporting organisations (NSOs) and national sporting organisations for people with disability (NSODs) to facilitate delivery of Sporting Schools programs.

The objectives of Sporting Schools are to:

• engage primary school students in free, high-quality sport programs at school
• engage secondary school students (Years 7-8) in free, high-quality sport programs at school, particularly inactive students, girls, and students attending schools in disadvantaged areas
• establish partnerships between sporting organisations and schools to promote involvement in sport outside of school
• develop the capability of schools and teachers to provide students with positive sport experiences
• build the capability of coaches and the sport workforce
• support life-long involvement in sport and physical activity to enhance health and wellbeing
  

Squash Stars uses a Game Sense approach to develop movement skills, tactical decision making and personal social skills. The key feature of this program, is it is designed to be run within School environments, and not requiring court hire and bus transfers to a local Squash Centre. Of course connections with local Squash Centres/Clubs is highly encouraged and links provided.

• Inclusive of all cultures, abilities and genders
• An accessible sport - any surface (oval, grass, hall, beach), anywhere, any time
• Can be played by both male and female
• Non-contact sport
• Minimal equipment
• The playing space can be adjusted to accommodate any skill level
• Online video resource library
• Direct access to a supportive network of coaches, centres and clubs
• Tailored program delivering on curriculum outcomes
• Access to Squash Stars in Schools lesson plans and equipment

Teacher Delivered Program

Use your Sporting Schools grant funding and Squash Australia will provide resources and training opportunities for a teacher to deliver a Squash Stars program within your school.

Leader Delivered Program

Apply for Sporting Schools grant funding and Squash Australia will connect you to an Endorsed Squash Stars Provider or Leader to deliver a Squash Stars program within your school.

Your Endorsed Squash Stars Provider or Leader will contact you to confirm your program requirements and discuss delivery costs.

Some Endorsed Squash Stars Providers and Leaders will bring their own Squash Stars equipment. It is also recommended that schools purchase their own equipment to facilitate year-round opportunities for children to enjoy squash.

Application open dates

Term 1, 2024
8am AEDT Monday 6 November 2023 - 5pm AEDT Friday 17 November 2024

Term 2, 2024
8am AEDT Monday 26 February 2024 - 5pm AEDT Friday 8 March 2024

Term 3, 2024
8am AEST Monday 20 May 2024 - 5pm AEST Friday 31 May 2024

Term 4, 2024
8am AEST Monday 12 August 2024 - 5pm AEST Friday 23 August 2024

2024 applications need to be submitted via the new School portal.

Visit the Sporting Schools Digital Systems page for more information about the new portal

Enquiries
If you have any questions, contact:
Sporting Schools Client Support Centre
1300 785 707
info@sportingschools.gov.au
Enquiries should be made no later than 3 days prior to grants closing