SOUTHERN Downs parents struggling under the weight of financial pressures, now have a lifeline when it comes to making sure their kids don't miss out on the region's plentiful sporting opportunities.

Get Started vouchers is a funding program and part of the Queensland Government's Get In The Game initiative to support sport and recreation at a grassroots level.

Parent Tracey Waters said she had been using the Get Start vouchers for two years.

"It's quite expensive to have kids playing sport, my son plays AFL,” she said.

"The vouchers makes a difference financially and the reason I jumped online to get the word out about the vouchers is because I know a lot of families are struggling and every little bit ofsupport helps.

"It's great to save a little if you can here and there.”

Warwick Netball Association secretary Linda Bunch said the vouchers were a massive help to stuggling families in the area wanting their kids to play sport.

"We've been part of the program since it started a few years ago,” she said.

"And I'd urge all Warwick sporting clubs to make themselves available for the incentive as well.

"That support makes a huge difference to some families and might mean the difference between their kids playing sport and not.”

Get Started vouchers assists children and young people who can least afford, or may otherwise benefit from joining a sport or active recreation club.

Eligible children and young people can apply for a voucher valued up to $150, which can be redeemed at a sport or recreation club that is registered for Get Started vouchers.

Miss Waters said applying for the vouchers was a simple process.

"Once you know where to look it doesn't take long at all,” she said.

"You determine your eligibility and sign up for the vouchers and once you're finished they email you a downloadable pdf that you fill out and take along to your chosen club.

"And it's not just sports as well, you can you the vouchers at a variety of clubs.”

There are currently 32 Warwick clubs registered to accept the Get Started vouchers, from Riding for the Disabled to target shooting to football and netball.

Mrs Bunch said the $150 voucher would go a long way to paying for a whole season of netball.

"Our lower level fees are only $150, and the higher are $200 so it's nearly all paid for,” she said.

"We have quite a few members who use the vouchers and several starting this year who are using them.

"With every other cost llife throws up and perhaps with multiple kids playing sport, these vouchers can make such a difference and give those kids a chance to play sport, which is so important.”

Eligible applicants are Queensland children and young people aged from 5 to 17 (inclusive) who either:

• hold or whose parent, carer or guardian hold a valid Centrelink Health Care Card or pensioner, concession card with the child's name on it; or
• are identified by a registered referral agent.

A maximum of $150 per voucher is available to help pay the cost of sport or recreation membership and/or participation fees.

There is a limit of one voucher per child/young person per calendar year.

To apply for a Get Started voucher head to https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/getinthegame