Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The Play Her Way Innovation Program 2025/26 (Tier 1) is a New South Wales (NSW) funding initiative supporting State Sporting Organisations to create career pathways for women and girls in sport. It provides grants of $3,000–$5,000 for projects that improve participation, retention, and leadership opportunities in sport while promoting gender-inclusive sporting environments. The program is administered by the NSW Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport.
Overview
The Play Her Way Innovation Program (Tier 1) is a targeted sports development funding scheme in New South Wales, Australia. It focuses on advancing gender equality in sport by supporting initiatives that help women and girls participate, remain engaged, and build careers in the sports sector.
The program encourages innovative, scalable, and inclusive approaches led by recognised sporting bodies.
Core Objectives of the Program
The program is designed to improve gender equity and career pathways in sport.
Key Goals
- Increase participation of women and girls in sport
- Improve retention of adolescent girls in sporting activities
- Expand career opportunities for women in the sport sector
- Strengthen gender-inclusive sporting environments
- Improve sector capability to respond to emerging trends
- Build sustainable pathways for women in sport leadership and employment
Funding Details
The program provides small-scale innovation grants to support targeted initiatives.
Financial Support
- Funding range: $3,000 to $5,000 per project
- Purpose: Support innovation and career activation initiatives
- Focus: Women and girls in sport development
Eligible Organisations
Only specific recognised sporting bodies can apply.
Eligible Applicants
- State Sporting Organisations (SSOs)
- State Sporting Organisations for People with Disability (SSODs)
- Organisations officially recognised by the NSW Office of Sport
Mandatory Requirements
Successful applicants must:
- Hold recognition from the NSW Office of Sport
- Provide Public Liability Insurance (minimum $5 million coverage)
- Deliver projects aligned with program objectives
Ineligible Applicants
The following are not eligible for funding:
- Sporting clubs (non-SSO level organisations)
- Individual applicants
- Schools and educational institutions
- Government agencies
- Unrecognised sporting organisations
- Other non-listed entities outside SSO/SSOD framework
Program Focus Areas
Projects must align with gender equity and sport development outcomes.
Priority Areas
- Women and girls participation in sport
- Retention of teenage girls in sport pathways
- Career development in sports administration, coaching, and leadership
- Gender-inclusive sports culture and environments
- Workforce development in the sports sector
- Innovation in sport delivery models
Why the Program Matters
The Play Her Way Innovation Program addresses structural gaps in women’s participation and leadership in sport.
Key Impact Outcomes
- Builds stronger pipelines for women in sport careers
- Reduces dropout rates among adolescent girls in sport
- Encourages inclusive and safe sporting environments
- Supports leadership diversity in sporting organisations
- Promotes long-term cultural change in the sports ecosystem
The program strengthens both participation and professional pathways, making sport more equitable and sustainable.
How the Program Works
The funding process follows a structured grant delivery model.
Step 1: Eligibility Confirmation
Organisations must confirm:
- Official recognition by NSW Office of Sport
- Compliance with insurance requirements
- Alignment with program objectives
Step 2: Application Submission
Applicants submit:
- Project concept and objectives
- Gender equity outcomes and impact goals
- Implementation plan
- Budget breakdown (within $3,000–$5,000 range)
- Organisational capability details
Step 3: Assessment Process
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Innovation in addressing gender inequality in sport
- Expected impact on women and girls participation
- Strength of career development pathways
- Organisational capacity to deliver
- Alignment with NSW sport sector priorities
Step 4: Funding Allocation
Selected organisations receive:
- Small-scale project funding
- Approval for implementation within defined timeframe
- Alignment guidance from program administrators
Step 5: Implementation Phase
Funded organisations deliver initiatives focused on:
- Participation growth
- Retention strategies
- Career pathway development
- Inclusive sporting culture improvements
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applications may be rejected due to avoidable issues.
Frequent Errors
- Applying without official NSW Office of Sport recognition
- Submitting projects outside gender equity scope
- Lack of clear outcomes for women and girls
- Missing insurance documentation
- Weak or unclear implementation plans
Best Practices
- Clearly define measurable participation outcomes
- Focus on career pathways, not only participation
- Align with gender inclusion priorities
- Provide realistic budgets within funding limits
- Demonstrate organisational readiness and capability
FAQs – Play Her Way Innovation Program 2025/26
1. What is the Play Her Way Innovation Program?
It is a NSW government-funded initiative supporting organisations that promote women and girls’ participation and careers in sport.
2. How much funding is available?
Eligible projects can receive between $3,000 and $5,000.
3. Who can apply?
Only State Sporting Organisations (SSOs) and State Sporting Organisations for People with Disability (SSODs) recognised by the NSW Office of Sport.
4. What is the main goal of the program?
To increase participation, retention, and career opportunities for women and girls in sport while improving gender-inclusive sporting environments.
5. Are clubs or individuals eligible?
No, clubs, individuals, schools, and government agencies are not eligible.
6. What insurance is required?
Successful applicants must hold Public Liability Insurance with at least $5 million coverage.
7. Which department manages the program?
It is administered by the NSW Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport.
Conclusion
The Play Her Way Innovation Program 2025/26 (Tier 1) is a targeted gender equity funding initiative designed to strengthen the participation and professional pathways of women and girls in sport across New South Wales. By supporting recognised sporting organisations with small innovation grants, it promotes inclusive sporting cultures, career development, and long-term sector transformation.
For more information, visit NSW Government.
