A junior water polo club based in Yeronga has received a grant for equipment and uniforms, as part of a broader $160,000 boost awarded to more than 50 Queensland junior sports clubs.
Background of the Grant Program
The 2025 Active Kids Grant, delivered by the Australian Sports Foundation with backing from The Dickinson Foundation, distributed more than $600,000 worth of equipment and uniforms nationwide. In Queensland alone, over 50 junior sports organisations were funded, with an average of approximately $3,000 allocated per club. Yeronga’s Mermaids Water Polo Inc was one of the few to receive the upper end of the distribution, securing $5,999 in support.
The grant program has been running since 2020, delivering more than $2.4 million in support to over 600 grassroots clubs across Australia.
Yeronga Club Profile and Growth
Founded in 2013 by former Australian water polo player Nicola Johnson, Mermaids Water Polo started with just 13 players. Over the past decade, it has expanded into one of Brisbane’s largest junior water polo organisations, now fielding around 30 teams across different competition levels. Based at the Yeronga Pool, the club supports athletes from beginner to elite level.
Young players from the club have competed in Brisbane Water Polo competitions and earned representation at both state and national levels. In 2024, Mermaids won under-12 and under-14 state titles, and also claimed the under-12 national championship.
Equipment Needs and Impact
The funding will be used to supply updated uniforms and equipment to support players of all abilities. Items will be delivered through official suppliers HART Sport and ISC Sport. The grant is expected to ease financial pressure on families and volunteers, helping maintain access to competitive and developmental sport.
According to the Australian Sports Foundation, many clubs face challenges in acquiring necessary gear. The grant aims to improve inclusion by reducing cost-related barriers and encouraging broader participation in community sports.
Looking Ahead
Applications for the 2026 round of the Active Kids Grant will open early next year. In the meantime, clubs like the Mermaids Water Polo in Yeronga can continue accessing support through the Australian Sports Foundation’s fundraising platform.
Published 5-June-2025
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