What do I need to know as a parent applying for KidSport funding for a child aged 5 to 18 in Western Australia? Who is eligible, how much funding there is, how to apply, what a voucher covers and which clubs accept it.
KidSport is a Western Australian Government program, run by the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (CITS, formerly DLGSC), that helps children take part in community sport and swimming lessons.
Funding. Up to $300 per child per financial year, which resets on 1 July. The amount can be split across several approved KidSport clubs. Some older government pages still show $500, but the current CITS pages say $300.
Your child must:
Possibly, through special consideration. Families without a concession card may be able to apply through a support agent if:
The child must still be aged 5 to 18, live in Western Australia and register with a KidSport-approved club. If you do have a card, it must be a current Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card that names your child and shows their own Centrelink Client Reference Number (CRN). A card that names only the parent is not enough, and is one of the common reasons for an unsuccessful application.
If you don't have internet access, email kidsport@cits.wa.gov.au or kidsport@dlgsc.wa.gov.au (both addresses appear on KidSport pages) to request a hard copy application. Phone: (08) 9492 9911.
What you need: a photo of your child's current (unexpired) Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, showing the child's name and individual Centrelink Client Reference Number (CRN), a valid email address (vouchers are sent by email), and optionally a mobile number to receive the voucher by SMS.
Timing. Assessment usually takes 10 to 15 business days, and can take longer in the peak season from January to May. Apply early enough for the voucher to be processed before the season starts. If approved, KidSport emails the voucher with a unique code.
What it covers. Registration, membership or participation fees at a KidSport-approved club, and swimming lessons at approved swim schools. Uniforms and equipment are covered only if the club has opted in to accept vouchers for them and you buy the items directly from the club named on the voucher.
How payment works. You give the voucher code to the club when you register. The club confirms the code in the KidSport portal and the department then pays the club directly. If the club's fees are more than the voucher, you pay the difference. KidSport does not pay rebates or reimbursements to parents or guardians.
Validity and use.
Consider arranging a trial session or come-and-try day before paying with a voucher.
Yes, if the provider is KidSport-approved.
Whichever activity you choose, the provider must appear on the "Find a KidSport club" page before you can use a voucher there.
Only KidSport-approved clubs can accept vouchers, and your child can join an approved club outside your local government area. The Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (CITS) decides which clubs are eligible. Every approved club must:
Eligible organisation types:
Clubs must accept vouchers as payment and can't require parents to pre-pay. They can't charge KidSport children a different amount from other children. Approved clubs appear on the "Find a KidSport club" page.
More than one club. Yes. The $300 a child can receive in a financial year can be split across several approved KidSport clubs, including clubs outside your local government area. A request can't be for more than the child's remaining balance, and you can check that balance by entering the child's details on page 1 of the application form.
Next year. Funding is per child per financial year and resets on 1 July. Once a child has used their funding for the year, a new application can be made from the next 1 July. The 2026/27 round runs from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.
Expired vouchers. A voucher expires 90 days after it is issued. If it expires unused, you can reapply for a new one.
Common reasons an application is unsuccessful (KidSport emails you if it is):
Fees above the voucher. If club fees are higher than the voucher, you pay the difference.
Refunds and cancellations. Raise any membership cancellation or withdrawal with the club first. KidSport publishes separate refund guidelines for refund enquiries. KidSport does not pay rebates or reimbursements to parents or guardians.
Checking your balance. Enter your child's details on page 1 of the application form to see their remaining funding. The child must still meet the eligibility criteria.
Expired vouchers. A voucher expires 90 days after it is issued. Parents can reapply for a new one, within the child's remaining balance for the financial year.