For Tasmanian mum Ursula Matthews, sport for her three children costs more than $1,000 a season.
The state government’s Ticket to Play vouchers cover about $600 of that.
“It really means the difference [between] them sitting on the sideline or being out playing,” she said.
Matthews said the scheme gave her peace of mind and meant she did not have to say no to her kids.
“Like many families know, the cost of sport for children is huge and so knowing that the registration is partially covered brings peace of mind that is invaluable to me,” she said.
She said sport had helped her children make lifelong friends and she had too.
The program gives eligible children two vouchers worth up to $100 each for club membership fees.
A new round opens on Monday and closes on May 28, 2027.
Deloraine Football Club junior president Ian Flower said the vouchers helped children who might otherwise miss out.
He said about 29 children used them at his club last season, drawing in families who had never considered football before.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the program kept young people active and connected, while easing cost-of-living pressure.
“This is about equity of access to sport. It’s about levelling the playing field,” he said.
Rockliff said the last round was the biggest yet, with 15,000 vouchers used by about 10,000 children.
Football was among the most popular activities, alongside swimming, dancing, cricket and soccer.
The state government is investing $4.9 million in the program over four years.
Families can apply through the Ticket to Play website from Monday.
