The Ticket to Play initiative allows eligible children and young people aged five to 17 access to vouchers up to $100 to go towards sporting memberships. 

The new program aims to remove the cost barrier to participating in organised sport to ensure more young Tasmanians play sport and share in the social and health benefits. 

Premier Will Hodgman said there many great clubs and organisations across the state who are able to take on more young Tasmanians. 

“What this voucher system will do is provide that leg-up, particularly those who might not have the financial means,” Mr Hodgman said. 

“Cost is an impediment to getting into organised sport, this will provide some financial relief.”

Minister for Sport and Recreation Jacquie Petrusma said a trial of the program with Little Athletics in November and December of 2018 was a great success. 

“We want more young people to participate in sport because of the life-long benefits it brings, better mental health and physical health outcomes,” Ms Petrusma said. 

“It also develops social skills, leadership skills and teamwork skills.”

There are 700 clubs registered for the program across the state. 

“They are all very excited about Ticket to Play because, not only will they have more participants playing team sports, but it also makes them have a better viability,” Ms Petrusma said. 

Children who are listed on a valid Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, or are in Out of Home Care, are eligible for the program. 

The program cost $3 million dollars and will benefit around 30,000 children and young adults.