Funding helps regional athletes achieve sporting dreams

Funded from Royalties for Regions, the Regional Athlete Support Program (RASP) assists in delivering a high-quality daily training environment for talented, regionally based athletes and coaches who are part of a sport’s talent development pathway.

Part of the RASP is the Regional Talent Development Network Grants Program. It invests in in regional sport academies, the coordination of talent development centres and delivering regional specific sport programs across regional Western Australia.

Funding provides specialist services to support athletes and coach development. It also allows these athletes and coaches to receive specific support while remaining at home, rather than having to travel to Perth.

The latest funding round for the Regional Talent Development Network Grants Program has funded 3 talent development centres and 2 regional sporting projects and includes ongoing funding to the 4 regional sporting academies.

Organisations sharing in $186,990 of one year funding in 2023/24 are:

• WA Basketball Federation — $37,500 for the Kimberley, Pilbara, Wheatbelt and Goldfields
• Swimming WA — $50,000 for Northern Swimming Academy in the Kimberley and Pilbara
• Esperance District Recreation Association — $18,750
• Goldfields Sports Development Foundation — $35,740 
• Broome Sports Association — $45,000.

Projects in this funding round include upskilling and further accreditation for high performance regional coaches, skill enhancement and sessions to support the social, emotional and physical development of local athletes, such as nutrition, recovery and mindset.

Organisations receiving 3-year funding worth $2.61 million to 2025/26 are:

• South West Academy of Sport — $750,000
• Peel Sport and Recreation Network — $570,000
• Mid West Academy of Sport — $720,000
• Great Southern Sports Talent Association — $570,000.