THE new school year has begun once again and that means that registration days for many winter sports are just around the corner.

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So whether your child is aspiring to be the next Dustin Martin, Tim Cahill, Sharni Layton or Michael Hooper, there is a sporting club out there waiting for them.

This year, the battle for many families to find the required funds to simply register their child to play organised sport is an easier one.

The New South Wales government has finally come to the party and realised that the cost of registering and insuring children to play organised sport can be an expensive exercise.

So, for the next four years, the government has introduced the ‘Active Kids’ initiative.

In essence, the state government will provide a $100 voucher to parents/guardians of school enrolled children that can be used to help pay for registration or membership fees for structured activities of at least eight weeks’ in duration.

Every child aged between 4.5 and 18 that is enrolled in school, home school or TAFE is eligible for their own $100 voucher.

The ‘Active Kids’ vouchers are only redeemable through approved sport, fitness and physical activity providers, so make sure your provider is registered and that the use of your voucher is valid before signing up.

Medowie Netball Club President Cheryl Smith told News Of The Area, “Medowie Netball is a great club, playing a fun sport that is all ages inclusive.”

“We encourage anyone to come and join us, we’re all about having fun, making friends and keeping fit.”

Port Stephens Power AFL Club representative Mel Nelson told News Of The Area, “Port Stephens Power AFL Club is a family friendly, fun club with teams for girls, boys and women in 2018, where friendships are formed and extended families are created.”

Helen Scott from Nelson Bay Netball Association Inc. told News Of The Area, “We are entering our 35th year and are proud to offer our sport to girls and boys, women and men, from the age of 3 years.”

“Big things are planned for this year, so form a team, or register as an individual, and be part of the fun, friendship and fitness.”

President of Raymond Terrace Soccer Club, Peter Petryk said that getting children into soccer from a young age is great for team building and social skills.

By Rachael VAUGHAN