Goulburn Valley Water is set to give local youth groups and sporting clubs a helping hand.
GVW will offer junior sporting clubs, primary schools and youth-based community groups a supply of water bottles through its Building Winter Champions through Choose Tap initiative.
The hope is that the initiative will help offset costs for various clubs and their respective members.
GVW managing director Steve Capewell said the region’s appetite for winter activities provided GVW with an opportunity to contribute.
“It’s not cheap to be involved in sport,” he said.
“Both club officials and parents are spending large amounts of money to satisfy the participation requirements of their children in winter sports and community-based activities.”
Mr Capewell said that nearly every town within the GVW service area had junior sporting teams and youth groups feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis.
“If we can help out in a small way by providing some drink bottles, then it is the least we can do,” he said.
“It will also hopefully encourage younger generations to remember the importance of staying hydrated while playing sport and to choose tap water as their drink of choice.”
Football, netball, basketball, soccer and hockey teams, along with primary schools and the likes of Girl Guide and Scout groups, are among those groups eligible.
GVW will supply all successful applicants with enough water bottles for all team members.
Applications are open until Saturday, June 1.