The Australian Sports Commission’s (ASC) Play Well Affiliate program will open up opportunities for a range of organisations that are not recognised as national sporting organisations or national sporting organisations for people with disability to play a central role in delivering the strategy’s vision of ensuring everyone has a place in sport.

The program is one of 23 priority activities listed in the Play Well Implementation Plan scheduled to be completed this financial year (Horizon 1, Year 1), with the ASC looking to partner with eligible organisations that deliver and support sport and recreation activities and whose core function encourages Australians to be physically active.

Executive General Manager Sport and Community Capability and Chair of the Play Well Leadership Group Richard McInnes said Affiliates will work with the ASC to help more Australians play well through involvement in sport and physical activity.

“This program aligns with the building connections priority area which aims to create a connected, collaborative and aligned sector that supports organisations to provide safe, welcoming, inclusive and fun sporting experiences for everyone involved in sport,” he said.

“We’ve traditionally worked only within the formal structures of sport that many are familiar with, but we know that there are many other great sport and recreation organisations that are doing amazing work in this space and can contribute to delivering on the individual and social outcomes we seek to achieve through Play Well.

“These organisations play a key role in helping Australians be active and by working together we can change the way sport is connected, delivered and supported across Australia.”

In addition to contributing to the Play Well Strategy, Affiliates will benefit through learning opportunities with the ASC, access to ASC resources and expertise including using the Play Well logo on their website as well as potential eligibility for ASC grant programs.

Applications are now open and close on 13 September.

For more information or to apply visit the Play Well website.