FosterCare Sports

FosterCare Sports is a community based youth wellbeing and social connection charity that supports children and young people in foster and out of home care to safely access local community sport. Our vision is that every child in care feels connected, confident and part of a team. Our mission is to remove the barriers that prevent participation and create clear, supported pathways into local sport.

There are over 45,000 children in foster care across Australia and an estimated 100,000 more living in kinship care arrangements. Many experience instability, trauma and social isolation. While sport offers proven benefits of teamwork, confidence, belonging and wellbeing, children in care often face financial, administrative, time and technology barriers that exclude them.

Designed for young people aged 2–17, our program provides a free, tailored, one on one service connecting children with welcoming local clubs. We are uniquely placed to do this work because we bridge two systems that rarely connect directly: child protection networks and community sport. We also equip clubs, coaches and volunteers with trauma informed guidance to support children who may have experienced disruption, loss or adversity.

To date, we have facilitated over 120 player registrations, partnering with 70+ clubs and 25+ referral partners from DCJ, Schools, Providers and Agencies. Funding will support regional expansion beyond metropolitan Sydney, strengthen safeguarding and club training, and ensure more children in care can access community sport and thrive.

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