Sporting Schools Funding: How Australian Schools Can Get Kids Active

For many schools, providing students with regular opportunities to participate in sport is a priority. But the cost of coaches, equipment, facilities and program delivery can make it challenging to offer a wide range of sporting experiences.

That is where Sporting Schools funding can help.

An Australian Government initiative administered by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), Sporting Schools provides grants that help eligible schools deliver quality sporting programs to students at no cost to children and their families. The program is designed not only to get more children moving, but also to help them develop the confidence, skills and positive experiences that can encourage participation in sport and physical activity throughout their lives.

What is Sporting Schools funding?

Sporting Schools was introduced nationally in 2015 with the goal of increasing children's participation in sport and creating stronger connections between schools and community sporting organisations. Since its launch, the program has supported thousands of schools and millions of opportunities for students to participate in sport.

Today, Sporting Schools offers grant opportunities for primary schools, as well as targeted opportunities for secondary students in Years 7 and 8. Eligible schools can apply each term, with funding supporting the delivery of approved programs from Sporting Schools' partner sporting organisations. There are more than 45 national sporting organisations and national sporting organisations for people with disability involved in the program.

For primary and combined schools, 2026 grants range from $1,000 to $3,650 (GST exclusive), while eligible special schools with primary-aged students can receive between $1,000 and $4,150 (GST exclusive). Additional funding may also be available in certain circumstances, including for eligible schools facing additional delivery costs associated with location or students with disability.

Importantly, the funding is intended to help schools provide Sporting Schools programs free to students and their families.

Why is Sporting Schools funding beneficial?

1. It makes sport more accessible

Cost can be a barrier to children's participation in sport. By helping schools deliver sporting programs without charging students, Sporting Schools can give children the opportunity to try activities they may not otherwise experience.

This is particularly important for students who are less active, as well as for schools and communities where access to sporting opportunities may be more limited.

The program's objectives specifically include engaging primary students in free, high-quality sport and, for Years 7 and 8, placing particular emphasis on inactive students, girls and students attending disadvantaged schools.

2. It helps children build confidence and physical skills

Sport is about more than competition and winning.

Quality sporting experiences can help children develop fundamental movement skills, confidence and competence, while giving them positive experiences of being active.

Sporting Schools aims to help students build the confidence and capability to be active for life, supporting the broader goal of lifelong participation in sport and physical activity.

For schools, this means the benefits can extend beyond a single sporting session. A positive introduction to a new activity may encourage a child to continue participating at school, with friends, or through a local sporting club.

3. It connects schools with community sport

One of the key features of Sporting Schools is its connection with sporting organisations.

Schools can select from approved sporting programs delivered by partner sports, creating opportunities for students to experience different activities and potentially make a connection with a local sporting pathway.

This can help bridge the gap between sport at school and sport outside school, giving students a clearer pathway to continue participating after a school program finishes.

4. It supports teachers and schools

Sporting Schools funding isn't simply about bringing a coach into the school.

The program also aims to develop the capability of schools and teachers to provide positive sporting experiences for students, while supporting the broader sport workforce. Depending on the program, schools can access either coach-delivered or teacher-delivered options.

Funding can also contribute to a range of delivery-related costs. Depending on the circumstances and the grant requirements, supported expenditure can include program delivery, supervision, transport, facility hire and essential equipment.

Who can apply?

Eligibility depends on the type of school and grant program.

In general, Sporting Schools provides funding opportunities for eligible primary, combined and special schools, as well as targeted secondary school opportunities for Years 7 and 8. School location is also relevant, with metropolitan and regional schools covered by the main program and a separate Remote Sporting Schools grant program being offered for remote and very remote schools from 2026.

Schools should check the current eligibility requirements before applying, as grant arrangements and eligibility can change between funding periods.

The ASC recommends that schools read the relevant grant guidelines, program parameters, spending fact sheet and terms and conditions before submitting an application.

How to apply for Sporting Schools funding

The application process is relatively straightforward, but schools need to make sure they complete each step before the relevant deadline.

Step 1: Check your school's eligibility

Start by checking whether your school is eligible for the relevant Sporting Schools grant.

The ASC provides detailed eligibility information and grant guidelines, including information about eligible school types, student cohorts, funding amounts and how applications are assessed.

Step 2: Read the funding requirements

Before applying, schools should familiarise themselves with:

• the relevant grant guidelines
• Sporting Schools program parameters
• the spending fact sheet
• the terms and conditions.

This is important because the funding can only be used for approved purposes and within the applicable funding period.

Step 3: Make sure you have portal access

Applications must be submitted through the Sporting Schools School portal.

The person applying needs to be a nominated contact on the school's site account and have a registered individual username and password. Applications cannot be submitted through another method.

Step 4: Select your preferred sports

Schools can nominate up to three partner sports in their grant application.

It is worth considering which sports will best suit your students, available facilities, school timetable and broader physical education goals. Schools can explore the available Sporting Schools sports and program options before making their selections.

Step 5: Submit before the closing date

Applications need to be submitted during the published application period.

For example, the Term 4 2026 application period opened at 8am AEST on Monday 3 August 2026 and closes at 5pm AEST on Friday 21 August 2026.

Once an application has been submitted, the school receives an email confirmation and a summary of its application. Schools can make changes while the application period remains open, but applications cannot be changed once the closing date and time have passed.

Step 6: If successful, book your program

Receiving a grant is only part of the process.

Successful schools need to use the Sporting Schools School portal to book their approved program. Schools can select a coach-delivered or teacher-delivered program and choose from available partner sport packages or registered providers. The booking needs to be confirmed by the relevant booking deadline for the school to receive payment of the grant.

Step 7: Use and acquit the funding correctly

Funding must be spent during the approved funding period and in accordance with the grant requirements.

After the program has been delivered, schools are required to complete an online acquittal through the Sporting Schools portal, including evidence of expenditure and program delivery.

What can Sporting Schools funding be used for?

The exact eligible expenditure depends on the grant and program, so schools should always check the current spending requirements.

Supported costs can include areas such as:

• payments to approved sporting organisations and coaches
• teacher delivery and, in some circumstances, relief teacher costs
• additional supervision requirements
• transport required to deliver a partner sport program
• hire of external sporting facilities
• essential equipment needed to deliver an approved program
• modified or adapted equipment to assist students with disability.

For 2026, the spending fact sheet states that up to $1,650 including GST of each grant can be spent on supported equipment.

This makes the funding particularly useful for schools that want to introduce a new sport but need assistance with the practical costs involved in delivering it.

Ready to apply?

If your school is considering applying, the best place to start is the Australian Sports Commission's official Sporting Schools funding and application information. The ASC publishes the current grant dates, guidelines, eligibility requirements and application process.

View the official Sporting Schools Funding information

View the Sporting Schools Grant Guidelines

With applications opening each term for eligible schools, planning ahead can give schools the best chance of choosing an appropriate sport, preparing their application and making the most of the funding available.