The Beresfield Touch Association (BTA) described its DoorDash Footy Cash grant windfall a “very big blessing in disguise”.
And, now, other local clubs in the Hunter have the chance to grab their share of $100,000, thanks to a partnership between the online food ordering company and the sport’s national body.
In 2022, the BTA pocketed a cool $12,500, which allowed the organisation to double its playing numbers.
“We used the money to subsidise our summer competition – and offered free uniforms for all participants,” treasurer Sara Taylor said.
“So, we had a huge uptake due to that… we went from 24 teams to 48.
“We were also able to pay for our young rep players’ outfits.
“That then enabled Beresfield to field a side in every age group at the NSW Touch Junior State Cup at Dubbo, roughly 250 members.
“Our association’s quite small in comparison to the likes of Wallsend, Maitland and Newcastle.
“So, for us to fill every age group, which we hadn’t done for some time, it was amazing, especially post-COVID.
“The pandemic has been a real challenge for our families and community.
“It was really nice to help them so they could participate [in touch].
“We boast numerous talented players in the area.
“But, we just wanted to give everyone an opportunity… without money being a barrier.”
As a result of that positive outcome, Taylor is urging fellow local clubs to apply for the DoorDash Footy Cash.
“Our president at the time, Renee Smith, was the one who put in the application,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
“She couldn’t fault the process.
“The support was fantastic as well; we had a contact from the beginning, which made things simple.
“In fact, it felt too easy.
“We rely heavily on grants and sponsorships to function… and we pay it forward to our community.
“Beresfield never looks to profit from the sport.
“Everything we get into the club goes back to our members.
“It’s something we pride ourselves on.”
It might be a smallish organisation, with just over two decades of history, however BTA has big plans moving forward.
“I guess we’re a ‘baby club’ surrounded by ‘super clubs’,” Taylor explained.
“But, we are fortunate enough to have Premier League teams – men’s and women’s – in our senior ranks.
“That’s something some of the others don’t possess.
“So, we attract many gifted athletes into the area, which has a flow-on effect for our junior and summer competitions as well.
“We’re a very family-orientated, inclusive and accessible association… with 400 members and growing.
“Touch is a great sport and we make it as affordable as possible.
“We’ll now start focusing on our next competition, which begins in September.”
DoorDash and Touch Football Australia are inviting Hunter associations to apply for grants, which range from $1,000 to $25,000.
The funds can go towards equipment, uniforms, infrastructure and education/accreditation of volunteers.
Video entries are encouraged to complement the written application, which close on 18 May.
For further details, go to https://doordashfootycash.com/
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