The club received more than $600 to kick-start the sporting year on a high and help its young netballers perfect their skills.

Kalannie Netball Club president Morwenna Goudge said the club was excited to receive the MGJST funds and welcomed the initiative.

“Kalannie may be a small town, but we are big on keeping our community members connected through sport and social gatherings,” Morwenna said.

“The money will be used to purchase equipment which, despite our small population, will ensure our children have access to netball, both through weekly after school training and weekend games,” she said.

The MGJST initiative, now in its fourth year, provides junior sporting groups, schools and individuals with the opportunity to share in $60,000 worth of grants throughout 2010.

The MGJST funds, donated by regional licensees across Western Australia, allow clubs and schools access to basic sporting infrastructure, new equipment, coaching assistance, or funding to develop and promote junior sporting events in regional areas.

Geraldton McDonald’s licensee Tim Parker said the MGJST was created to give junior sports groups and schools the facilities and equipment to increase participation in sport and to encourage healthy, active lifestyles.

“As a major employer of young people in the community, McDonald’s is happy to be able to assist local sporting groups and schools in developing their programs and providing the best facilities possible,” Tim said.

“The big picture objective is to give junior sporting groups funding opportunities, no matter where they are located in regional WA.

“We’re connecting with schools and regional sporting clubs where help is needed and offering our support,” he said.