This media release is courtesy of Women Sport Australia. 

One in two girls drop out of sport from the age of 15, with unsuitable uniforms and sporting attire major contributing factors. This International Day of the Girl, CADBURY is supporting Women Sport Australia and offering a donation of $150k to launch the ‘CADBURY Get in the Game Grants Program’. The program will allow girls across the nation, from all sporting codes, more opportunities to feel comfortable and confident participating in sport.

Kicking off today, the $150k grants program is open for eight weeks and invites all grassroots girls’ sporting clubs and associations in Australia, to register for their opportunity to win a CADBURY Get in the Game Grant. Grant winners will receive up to $5k worth of funds to support the purchase and design of new female-friendly sporting attire, to navigate uniform barriers and ensure ongoing participation.

Recent research found that the type of sports uniforms available to girls when deciding to play sport is a critical factor when it comes to them feeling confident about being active. Alarmingly, by the age of 14, Australian girls’ confidence levels are 27 per cent lower than boys.

President of Women Sport Australia, Gen Simmons says: “We know how important it is for young girls to feel comfortable when it comes to playing sport. Certain uniform designs can deter young girls from enrolling in sport. They might be designed for boys, be poorly cut, too tight or not cater to different body shapes. In turn, this can result in participation drop off. The costs associated with the purchase of sporting uniforms can also be a roadblock. We’re so thankful for CADBURY’s support, providing WSA with the ability to offer grants to local girls’ sporting clubs and associations, which we hope will provide uniform barrier solutions, and allow girls to feel comfortable, confident, and able to continue their sporting pursuits.”

Recalling her own experience, CADBURY Get in the Game Ambassador and Matildas star Defender Alanna Kennedy says, “I remember looking forward to getting new training gear for the season and being so disappointed when opening the bag to find it was all men’s cut – long shorts and shirts that sat tight or clumped up around the hips.”

As part of its Women in Sport initiative, CADBURY has partnered with Women Sport Australia to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to supporting girls’ sports. “For CADBURY, it’s critically important that females have as many sporting opportunities as their male counterparts. We want to shine a light on Australia’s female sporting role models and provide a platform for their amazing achievements, whilst simultaneously breaking down barriers for the next generation.” states Jessica Finger, Marketing Manager – Equity and Sponsorships at Mondelēz International.

The CADBURY Get in the Game Grants form part of CADBURY’s broader Women in Sport initiative, which aims to champion women in sport, inspire the next generation of female sporting athletes and promote visibility and equality in women’s sport across Australia. Recently CADBURY featured four Australian female sporting trailblazers on the front its iconic purple packs, championing its ‘you’ve got to see it to be it’ ethos.

The on-pack athletes include Tayla Vlaeminck (Australian Women’s Cricket Team), Akec Makur Chuot (AFLW Richmond Tigers), Alanna Kennedy (Commonwealth Bank Matildas) and Jessica Sergis (Sydney Roosters NRLW).

The CADBURY Get in the Game Grants will open on Monday October 11th, 2021 at 5pm, on International Day of the Girl. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria*.Registrations will close on Friday December 10th, 2021 at 5pm. Grant applications will go through a robust process by the panel of judges including Adam Lidis (Senior Brand Manager, Mondelēz International), Bec Reed (Women Sport Australia) and Professor Clare Hanlon (Victoria University). Judging will take place during January, with winning Grant recipients announced on 21st February 2022.

For more information and to apply for a grant, please visit: www.womensportaustralia.com.au/get-in-the-game-grant/