East Maitland Junior Rugby League Football Club was awarded the funds as part of the state 2016 Local Sport Grant Program earlier this week. 

Club secretary Bill Hackney said it was a wonderful surprise to find out the club would be a recipient of the money.

"With over 300 registered players there is always something that needs repairing or upgrading and this grant will go a long way,” he said.

“We will be upgrading some of our ageing training pads that have been around for decades. 

"Also due to the downturn in the economy we also found it hard to get sponsors for new jerseys and this now will enable us to purchase another set."

Ten Maitland sporting groups will share in $50,000 funding.

Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison, visited the East Maitland Club to formally congratulate the members on their successful application and to meet some of the players. 

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,” she said.

Ms Aitchison said the funding had 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,” Ms Aitchison said.

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

East Maitland Juniors were established in 1962 and have 20 teams in 2016 from under six to under 17s.

"Having one of the largest junior rugby league clubs in the district, we can continue to put smiles on children's faces," Mr Hackney said.

Information on the grants program is online at sportandrecreation.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/localsport