The Sydney Swans and Volkswagen today launched the Volkswagen Grassroots Grants program, giving community AFL teams around Australia the chance to share in $10,000 in prizes for their local footy club.

Sydney Swans’ Major Partner, Volkswagen, is offering ten community football clubs around Australia the chance to win $1000 to help their club and grow the game in their region.

If successful, clubs will have the ability to use the funds for such things as facility improvements, new footballs, training equipment or to even support an upcoming club function or fundraiser.

Swans co-captain Kieren Jack is encouraging all local clubs around Australia to apply for one of the Volkswagen Grassroots Grants.

“The Volkswagen Grassroots Grants program is a great initiative and something I’ll certainly be encouraging my junior club, the Pennant Hills Demons, to apply for,” Jack said.

“The money can go a long way to helping out community clubs by simply enabling them to be better resourced on and off the field as well as ensuring the club is an enjoyable and safe environment for everyone involved.

“With the national Volkswagen Grassroots Grants program now officially open, I encourage all clubs across the country to apply.”

Volkswagen Group Australia Managing Director John White added “The Volkswagen Grassroots Grants is a fantastic initiative and we’re delighted to be supporting the program.

We look forward to having our national dealership network involved and are pleased to be able to provide great benefit to community football clubs.”

To register for one of the ten $1000 grants, all your club needs to do is visit www.grassrootsgrants.com.au and complete the application form. All applications must be submitted by May 22 and the ten winning clubs will be notified on June 1.