THE GSC STORY
The Grassroots Sports Club (GSC) was established in 2008 in Melbourne by three members of a local amateur football club. The club was struggling to raise funds for an Under-18 team that provided a positive environment for a diverse group of young men.
Knowing that without this footy team, many of the players wouldn’t have the means to participate in sport at all, the three men organised some mates and hosted the first GSC lunch. The event raised enough money to pay for club registrations, boots and footy jumpers for the members of the team who required financial support. Surplus funds were donated to The Mirabel Foundation, with the request that it be used to provide sporting opportunities for the children it supports. This marked the beginning of a successful partnership.
In 2016, the first lunch was organised in Hobart, following a similar but smaller scale to the Melbourne lunches. Since then, the Grassroots Sports Club's presence in Tasmania has grown from strength to strength. Each year, their fundraising efforts have gained momentum, raising over $82,000 to date. It is important to highlight that every cent of these funds has been dedicated to providing disadvantaged young people with the opportunity to access sports in Tassie. The Grassroots Sports Club has made a significant impact in empowering these individuals and ensuring they can participate in sports despite financial barriers.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the GSC is to raise money to improve the social, emotional and physical development of young people through promoting increased participation in sport.
FUNDRAISING
Once a year, the GSC Tassie Chapter hosts a ‘long lunch’ featuring speakers of great sporting renown. Funds are raised through ticket sales, raffles and auctions, and 100% of proceeds are donated to disadvantaged young people with the specific intention of supporting participation in sport.