Whakatane Town AFC is receiving a significant boost via a $19,782 grant from New Zealand Community Trust towards new uniforms, nets and balls.

The funding will directly benefit the club's junior players as well as the senior women's and men's teams, enabling the continuation of affordable football offerings for the whole community.

"As a coach, it’s extremely difficult to train a team without the proper training equipment. Now we can better prepare teams for the up-coming season," Whakatane Town AFC coach, Jason Pullar.

For the last two years, Whakatane Town AFC have been in a rebuilding phase with many new players. Photos supplied.

"With new equipment they all feel more professional and have a sense of belonging."

‘’New nets will ensure we can continue to run a community favourite event - our summer football league, a fun community event in November that attracts all members of the community and many new members," says Whakatane Town AFC representative Chelsea Brown.

"It’s great news that we can replace the nets. The club really needed new ones!" says ten-year-old Milan Lillas.

We’re celebrating our 70th Jubilee this year and remain the leading football club in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, boasting several league titles over the years as well as having the largest junior membership for a football club in the Bay of Plenty. Photos supplied.

"WTAFC's status as a non-profit organisation emphasises its dedication to serving the community and this grant will create further opportunities for growth and development," says junior committee member, Kate Lillas.

"Through the tireless efforts of the volunteer committee members and coaches, we strive to instil strong values of teamwork, participation, and the true spirit of positive sportsmanship in our junior players."

“Sport brings so many benefits to the community and is a big focus of NZCT’s grants programme," says NZCT’s GM Grants, marketing and communications, Ben Hodges.

"We’re delighted our responsible gaming fundraising partnership with Cobb and Co Whakatane has resulted in this fantastic grant to WTAFC which will benefit hundreds of people."

Whakatane Town AFC was established in 1954 by a group of immigrants from England, who brought passion for the game with them to the Whakatane community. Photo supplied.