From January parents will be able to claim up to $100 per child each year to reduce the cost of sport registration or fees for sport and active recreation activities.

The Active Kids Rebate applies to school-aged children and is not means-tested.

The initiative was part of the NSW Government’s 2017/18 budget. The government aims to reduce overweight and obesity rates in children by five per cent in 10 years.

Kurri Kurri Minor Rugby League secretary Kelly Harris said the rebate would be a huge benefit to their club, where junior registration is currently $100.

Ms Harris said the bonus would be of particular benefit to the many families that had more than one child who played.

She said the Bulldogs tended to lose a lot of children as they grew up, because the cost becomes too much for parents.

Ms Harris said the club had grown by more than 100 juniors in the past four years. She expected that to rise even more from next year.

But more than just helping the Kurri club, Ms Harris said the initiative will help all kids be more active.

“It’s about time the state government did something to help kids play sport,” she said. “The kids will benefit.”​

Northern NSW Football CEO David Eland also applauded the new initiative.

He said it showed that the government recognised the importance of sport in healthy communities.

Mr Eland said it would provide an opportunity for existing players to participate more cost effectively and provide greater appeal to new players.

Sports Minister Stuart Ayres said the government wanted to see more young people participating in sport.

“We know promoting active habits early is a key factor for ensuring a generation of healthy kids and tackling rising obesity rates,” Mr Ayres said.

Parents will be able to register for the initiative online from January and take a sports voucher to a registered sports club or provider to receive their rebate.