One million Sports Vouchers have been claimed since the scheme was introduced a decade ago, supporting more than 410,000 children and young people to get involved in activities that keep them moving, learning and engaged away from screens.
Launched in 2015 as a single $50 voucher for children in Reception to Year 7, the program has grown into one of the state’s most successful participation initiatives.
Today, children from Reception to Year 9 can access two $100 vouchers each year to help cover the cost of sport, dance, swimming lessons, Scouts and Guides, active recreation and music.
From next year, 16–18-year-olds will become eligible for the scheme, providing more opportunities for young people to get active and connected with the community.
Families have used Sports Vouchers with 2525 providers, with the most popular activities accessed being:
- Australian Rules football – 243,713 vouchers
- football/soccer – 143,849 vouchers
- netball – 121,828 vouchers
- swimming – 109,531 vouchers
- dance – 74,660 vouchers.
The program is delivering strong benefits across both regional and metropolitan communities, with the highest number of vouchers recorded in Mount Gambier (16,231 vouchers), followed by Mount Barker (13,036), Port Lincoln (11,876) and Morphett Vale (11,063).
Gymnastics is now the second largest sport for girls under the age of 14 and the State Government has committed $100 million for a permanent home for the popular sport.
22Too Gymnastics CEO Glenda Green said they had noticed a "huge increase" in families using the Sports Vouchers.
"Increasing the age to 18 years is especially exciting for our strongkidz program as more families can access support to help their children build strength, confidence and coordination," she said.
"The expanded age range means more young people can continue participating in programs that support both their physical development and overall wellbeing, which is exactly what our gymnastics and strongkidz programs are all about."
Families can claim their vouchers at www.sportsvouchers.sa.gov.au (external site) (external site)
MORE STORIES LIKE THIS
