WA families to gain access to $500 vouchers to help cover children’s sport costs

Families in Western Australia will now be able to apply for $500 in KidSport vouchers to help cover the cost of children’s sport.

The Government announced the increase over the weekend, which is almost double the previous amount, to ‘ease cost of living pressures’ faced by families in WA.

KidSport allows eligible children to participate in sport by covering some of the costs involved in club fees, playing equipment and uniforms.

In 2023-24 over 25,000 children benefited from the program, and WA Premier Roger Cook hopes to see that number increase in 2025.

“Easing cost of living pressures is an important part of my Government’s plan to support WA families,” he said. “We also want to make sport accessible to all Western Australian children, who need opportunities to stay active and connect with others in their communities.”

Families will be able to apply for up to $500 in KidSport vouchers per eligible child until June 2025.

This is the second time the KidSport vouchers have been increased, following a $3 million boost in financial support in August 2023, when the amount was lifted from $150 to $300.

“Sport is such an important way for kids to be healthy and active and the last thing we want is for people to have to cut back on their kids’ sporting activities due to cost of living pressures, which is why we are announcing this latest boost,” said Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman.

“This additional funding will help ensure that all kids can continue to play their favourite sports and is further proof of the Cook Government’s commitment to do the right thing by WA.”

On top of the KidSport vouchers, there has also been a recent $9.4 million boost to the Secondary Assistance Scheme, with the amount lifted to $300 a year.

KidSport is open to eligible 5-18-year-old children in WA, and more information can be found at dlgsc.wa.gov.au/kidsport.

Image Credit: Cockburn ARC