Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said smaller schools across Hume had been the first to sign up for the Sporting Schools programme.

Mr Tayor encouraged as many local primary schools as possible to register before cob Friday June 26 to allow students to benefit from the programme this year.

“This is a great new programme funded by the Federal Government encouraging primary school children to be more active – and if schools register and apply for funding before cob June 26 they can run sporting activities in the second half of this year,” Mr Taylor said.

“I’m delighted to see many of the smallest schools across Hume have signed up first – Greenthorpe, Woodstock, Laggan, Murrumburrah, Caragabal, Binalong, Dalton, Koorawatha, Maimuru, Oakdale and Tallong, as well as others.

“Registering is the first step. Funding applications then have to be lodged online www.sportingschools.gov.au for equipment, coaching staff and other resources.”

Mr Taylor said eligible schools would receive grants ranging from $1300 to $3,100 per school term - based on factors including school population and whether there was any geographic disadvantage impacting on programme costs. Successful schools under the first round will be advised in July.

“As we all know, the value of sport is wide reaching - connecting with the community, developing friendships, learning life skills, getting fit and active. I try and fit a lot of sport into my week – usually a daily bike ride, often a daily jog, or a swim – and I am grateful I formed this habit early on.

“With the digital age upon us, about 77 per cent of our kids are now spending their spare time on computers and in front of the TV and only half are involved in sport. Sporting Schools is about providing activities before, during and after school hours – and it’s a great way to encourage children to participate and exercise.”

Mr Taylor said if schools missed out on lodging applications for funding under Round1, Round 2 would open in November this year.

Caption: Representing Health Minister Sussan Ley, Mr Taylor recently joined former Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock at the launch in Canberra of a Sporting Schools rugby union pilot called GameOn,one of more than 30 activities to be available under the Sporting Schools programme.