Regional junior sports clubs invited to apply for Glencore funding
Media statement
Bulga, Australia
Junior sports clubs across select regional areas of New South Wales and Queensland are invited to apply for grants of up to $7,500, with applications now open for Glencore’s Junior Sports Development Program (JSDP).
Entering its fourteenth year, Glencore’s JSDP supports not-for-profit junior sporting organisations in the Singleton, Muswellbrook, Cessnock, Maitland, Upper Hunter and Mid-Western LGAs and the Collinsville/Scottville, Glenden, Tieri/Capella, Clermont, Rolleston/Springsure, Wandoan/Taroom and Nebo/Pioneer Valley areas to improve facilities, enhance safety and boost participation in local sport.
Last year alone, 67 junior sporting clubs across regional New South Wales and Queensland shared in $372,000 in funding, with projects ranging from new equipment and facility upgrades to purpose-built training spaces for young athletes.
Glencore’s Social Performance Manager, Craig Strudwick, said junior sport plays a vital role in building stronger and more resilient regional communities.
“Junior sport brings people together. It gives young people purpose, teaches teamwork and builds resilience,” Craig said.
“These grants help allow clubs to continue offering those opportunities by investing in the facilities, equipment and programs that make sport possible.”
Among last year’s successful applicants, Maitland District Motorcycle Club used its funding to construct a dedicated training track for its junior ‘nippers’ division, providing a safe and purpose-built space for younger riders to build confidence before progressing to the main track.
Tracey Snedden, Community Investment Coordinator for Glencore Coal, and Maitland District Motorcycle Club President Andrew Tipper with junior ‘nippers’ riders at the Maitland District Motorcycle Club track, supporting the next generation of motocross riders.
Club President Andrew Tipper said the support gave the club confidence to move ahead with a project that had been years in planning.
“Our Nippers can sometimes find the main track a bit overwhelming, so this new space gives them the chance to build skills, grow in confidence, and most importantly, have fun,” Andrew said.
“Once they’re ready, they’ll be able to make the move to the main track with confidence. We’re extremely grateful to Glencore for supporting the next generation of riders.”
Since the program began in 2012, Glencore has provided funding to more than 500 sporting and community organisations across New South Wales and Queensland.
“These clubs are where confidence is built, friendships are made and community spirit is passed on,” Craig said.
“We are proud to play a small part in helping them grow and continue providing those opportunities for the next generation.”
Applications for the 2026 NSW Junior Sports Development Program are open now and close at midnight on Tuesday 31 March 2026.
Not-for-profit junior sports clubs located within the eligible areas are encouraged to apply.
For more information or to submit an application, visit our dedicated grants webpage for New South Wales or Queensland.
For further information, please contact:
Jessica Smith
m: +61 497 504 420
e: Jessica Smith
Laura Reilly
m: +61 419 949 254
e: Laura Reilly
Notes for editors
About Glencore Australia
In Australia, Glencore produces coal, zinc, nickel, cobalt, copper, lead and silver from 20 active mining operations. We also operate metals processing assets in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, including concentrators, smelters and refineries.
We are among Australia’s largest producers and marketers of natural resources, connecting Australian resources with industrial customers around the world. Through our diverse portfolio, we responsibly supply the resources that advance everyday life.
We employ 17,420 people in Australia and in 2024 contributed almost $19.6 billion to the regional, state and national economies. This included spend of $13.5 billion with 6,810 businesses, as well as $3.6 billion in government tax and royalty payments.
We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace for our people, to respecting the environment, to engaging openly and constructively with the Traditional Owners on whose lands we operate and to bringing value to local communities.
We will support the global effort to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement through our efforts to decarbonise our own operational footprint. We believe that we should take a holistic approach and have considered our commitment through the lens of our global industrial emissions. For more information see our 2024-2026 Climate Action Transition Plan.
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