Sports clubs across Victoria have been encouraged to nominate emerging female leaders within their community as potential recipients for the scholarship.

The scholarship funding ranges from $2000 to $10,000 and can be used to support professional development and enhance overall skills within sport, recreation and leadership.

As the sports sector has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic a new category has also been developed to the Change Our Game program which supports career coaching for women who've had their employment impacted due to the pandemic.

Since its inception that program has paved the way for more than 150 women to work and volunteer in the sport and recreation industry across the state.

The program has helped recipient Loren Hazelwood boost her career within the Australian Motorsport industry.

"Thanks to the Change Our Game scholarship I was able to learn key new skills that I now use in my sponsorship executive role at Motorsport Australia," Hazelwood said.

"It's a fantastic program that allows women to learn more and grow in the sports that we love."

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said the program helped continue momentum for gender equality.

"These scholarships are helping to level the playing field for women and girls, and will create greater diversity in decision-making roles across all levels of Victorian sport and active recreation," Spence said.

"This boost will ensure women working and volunteering in sport and recreation are given opportunities to further their career, and the sector as a whole can continue the momentum that has been built around gender equality."

For more information about how to apply and nominate for the scholarship please visit changeourgame.vic.gov.au.

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