Christmas has come early for the Gold Coast Magic Football Club with the third round of the Get Playing grants program wrapping up for the year.

Get Playing forms part of the Queensland Government’s $68 million Get in the Game initiative, and provides sport and recreation clubs with better facilities.

Member for Mudgeeraba Ros Bates said the local clubs had shared in more than $11.4 million worth of funding, approved to almost 140 clubs statewide under the latest round.

“In this round, the Gold Coast Magic Football Club will receive $84,000 to install change rooms to support football at Carrara,” Ms Bates said.

“Sport and recreation clubs are an integral part of the local community and are used by hundreds of kids, so it’s important that their infrastructure and facilities are modern and safe.

“Get in the Game is focused on promoting greater participation at the grassroots community level and supporting local clubs and this funding will help achieve that in the Mudgeeraba electorate.”

Sport and Recreation Minister Steve Dickson said the Queensland Government was keen to encourage more families to get involved in sport and recreation.

“We made an election commitment to get more young Queenslanders involved in recreation and sport and we are delivering through these highly successful programs,” Mr Dickson said.

“The response to Get Playing has been overwhelming, and the projects that have been delivered under this program have made a real difference to local communities.

“It’s pleasing to see the positive outcomes resulting from the first two rounds of funding and I look forward to seeing more improvements to our sport and recreation clubs statewide.”

Gold Coast Magic Football Club President Adem Poric said the club’s 350 kids would benefit from the funding boost.

“Our club has over 350 young members and has strong links with over 30 schools on the Gold Coast,” Mr Poric said.

“This tremendous funding boost through the Get Playing program will ensure a better sporting experience for them.

“This grant will be used to upgrade our current changing rooms from two dressing rooms to four, as well as add referee and storage rooms, showers and toilets.”

Mr Dickson said clubs to receive funding through the latest round of the Get Going program, which provides up to $10,000 for resources, equipment and services, would be announced soon.

Further details on Get in the Game are available at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/getinthegame.