Ten Maitland sporting groups will share in $50,000 funding through the 2016 Local Sport Grant Program.

Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison, welcomed the announcement that will guarantee an increase in regular and on-going participation opportunities in sport and active recreation.

Ms Aitchison said she was pleased to see the funding allocated to worthwhile sporting organisations.

“Sport is synonymous with the Maitland region and it is important that all levels of government provide the necessary support”.

The funding has been distributed to a diverse range of clubs and organisations to ensure a variety of skills, interests and ages are catered for.

“From basketball courts, to footy fields, golf courses and cricket ovals – this funding will help encourage more people to keep active in Maitland” said Ms Aitchison.

Sport and active recreation delivers many personal and community benefits including developing self-esteem, maintaining health and fitness, nurturing talented athletes, contributing to individual enjoyment of life and developing leadership through team skills.

“Providing modern and functional sport and recreation facilities will encourage more local residents to get active and improve their health and wellbeing”.

“Participation in sport and physical activity is one of the essential elements of a healthy lifestyle”.

"I hope this funding will assist the successful applicants to encourage more people to take up healthy sporting endeavours” said Ms Aitchison.

The successful applicants are:

• East Maitland Bowling Club - $8,408 - Installation of an automated irrigation system on the golf course practice fairway.

• East Maitland Junior Rugby League Football Club - $5,000 - Purchase of training equipment and team jerseys.

• Hunter Hockey Association - $2,720 - Hunter Hockey representative team uniforms.

• Maitland Football Club - $2,000 - Coaching Accreditation and Skills Training.

• Thornton Junior Football Club - $2,024 - Purchase of portable sideline shelters for players.

• Thornton/Beresfield Rugby League Club - $1,230 - Purchase of camera and equipment for registration requirements, publicity, training and coaching.

• Western Suburbs Schoolboy Rugby League Football Club - $5,000 - Purchase of club uniforms and subsidised registrations.

• Raworth Rabbitohs Cricket Club - $6,809 - Installation of a turf pitch at Beryl Humble Sporting Complex.

• Lochinvar Rovers Football Club - $10,000 - Upgrade of field lighting on the eastern side of main ground at Jack Lane Fields.

• Maitland Basketball Association - $6,809 - Upgrade of stadium lighting at Maitland Federation Centre.