The season hasn't kicked-off yet but the Tamworth Roosters AFL are already crowing, taking out the major share of the #GreaterNewEngland funding round for January.
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For winning this month's community vote, the Roosters will receive $3,000, which will go towards upgrading their training facilities in the hope of attracting new players.
As a relatively new club for the Tamworth region, the Roosters have added an under-14's team to their existing under-17's side and hope to increase their membership to at least 50 members this year.
Roosters coach, Greg Vallender, said winning this month's funding round means the club can give more local kids the chance to experience AFL first-hand.
"As a developing sport in the region, this much-needed funding from the Greater will enable us to upgrade our training facilities including the purchase of new training equipment such as footballs and tackling bags," Vallender said.
"We will also be able to subsidise travel costs for our players to travel to away games which are often held at least two to three hours away. This means we can keep costs affordable for those who are doing it tough as a result of the drought."
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"We are extremely grateful for this funding from Greater Bank which is an enormous help for the club and gives us a big advantage for the upcoming season by helping improve the skills set of our players."
Greater Bank's Regional Manager, Jennifer Smith, is thrilled that the program has provided $200,000 in funding to a huge range of community groups across the Greater New England region since 2016.
"Supporting the communities that support us is fundamental to our business and the #GreaterNewEngland program is a wonderful representation of this philosophy," Smith said.
"Since 2016 we have been providing these relatively small but significant funding contributions to a wide range of beneficiaries, such as sporting clubs, schools, health and community support groups, as well as arts and cultural groups."
"Organisations like the Tamworth Roosters AFL give so much back to their communities and this is a wonderful opportunity for Greater Bank to return the favour and say thank you."
Gunnedah Rugby Club and the Curlewis CWA were the two runners-up and will each receive a $1,000 grant.
The #GreaterNewEngland program continues in February, with voting open now and closing on Wednesday February 26. Vying for their share in $5,000 will be South West Robins, Gunnedah Junior Soccer Canteen and Oxley High School Robotics.
To submit your vote, either go online to greater.com.au/greaternewengland or visit any Greater Bank branch.
Greater Bank is also calling for nominations for future funding rounds. Community groups can visit greater.com.au/greaternewengland and tell us in 100 words or less how their organisation is helping to improve lives of locals.
