Reserve players are the backbone of Australian sport. They’re reliable, provide invaluable support to their teams, and are ready for the call up anytime. 

Here at Uber, we value reliability, and we know riders do too. That’s why we recently rolled out Uber Reserve to even more of Australia, offering riders the option to reserve a ride in advance for peace of mind when – just like Reserve players- they know they’ve got somewhere they need to be.

However despite their integral role in sport, Reserve players are under threat from diminishing funding for community teams. In fact, according to the Australian Sports Foundation, 1 in 4 regional and remote Australian sporting clubs are experiencing declining participant registrations, threatening the future of Australian sport.

To raise awareness of the role Reserve teams play in Australian communities, and encourage others to back their Reserve team, this week we teamed up with soccer legend Mary Fowler to find and sponsor Australia’s most deserving reserve grade team.

Leveraging her experience in community sport and on the reserve bench, Mary hopes to inspire the next generation of grassroots players with this campaign, and call on Australia to recognise the importance of their local team.

“This initiative aims to recognise the underdogs and the underfunded on the reserve bench, in their consistent pursuit to keep their club, and community spirit alive,” said Fowler. “I resonate with their fighting community spirit, as it spurred my love for soccer 14 years ago in my hometown in Cairns. Without it, I simply wouldn’t be where I am today, playing professionally and for my national team,”

The most worthy reserve team to be awarded $50,000 for their relentless work to keep their sporting team alive. The life changing sponsorship will be provided to one reserve team to support club needs, whether that’s buying new equipment, covering staff or volunteer resources, or just the ability to keep the lights on as the cost of living pressures bite.

“It’s a pleasure to be part of Uber’s Reserve Grade Heroes campaign, shedding light on the importance of supporting community sport. Together, we can empower local communities and nurture the next generation of athletes.” continued Fowler. 

Community sporting teams across Australia are invited to enter into the running and demonstrate why their team is deserving of the grant in a video submission. Entries are open today and close at midnight on 31 March 2024 when the winner will be selected by a panel including Mary Fowler, the hosts of the Hello Sports podcast, and Uber.

Australian Sports Foundation spokesperson, Ryan Holloway, said “As our research has shown, now is a more important time than ever to get behind Aussie grassroots sport. Sports clubs and athletes are under significant financial pressure and clubs are struggling with less volunteers and more administration. Participation and running costs are increasing – while traditional sources of revenue are decreasing. 

We want to be part of the solution and we’re delighted to support Uber in its pursuit of the most deserving reserve team to receive the $50,000 sponsorship. We want to bring education and support to reserve grade sporting teams that help them continue to allow Aussies to play the sports they love – and who knows, we could even find the next Mary Fowler!”

Teams who aren’t granted the Uber sponsorship will go on to receive support from the Australian Sports Foundation, which exists to support a thriving Australian sporting sector, where everyone has access to the health and social benefits of sport, regardless of their gender, background, location, ability or culture.

“We’re proud to launch the Reserve Grade Heroes initiative to support local sporting communities, and allow one deserving team the chance to win $50,000 to put towards important costs like uniforms, equipment and volunteers,” commented Dom Taylor, Managing Director of Uber ANZ. “Just as reserve teams have their communities’ backs, Uber Reserve has theirs, providing convenient and reliable transportation for players and supporters alike.”

Entries are open to reserve grade teams across the country from 11 March 2024 at www.reserveheroes.com.au, and close at midnight on 31 March 2024. For more information and competition terms and conditions, please see here.

-ENDS-