The Picton Magpies Cricket Club and the Thirlmere-Tahmoor Junior Rugby League Club were among hundreds of community organisations across the country to receive Woolworths Community Grants.

Not-for-profit community groups are able to apply for the grants worth up to $5000 each.

Picton Magpies Cricket Club secretary Craig Hardy said the money would be put towards keeping the young cricketers safe.

``Council has just built us some new nets at Hume Oval and so the new cricket gear will go with that,'' Mr Hardy said.

``We got them pads and safety helmets and gloves: everything they need to stay safe.''

The young members of the cricket clubs have become stars since being awarded the grant after Woolworths asked them to take part in a TV advertisement.

Mr Hardy said the team received calls from as far away as Perth and Adelaide about it.

``We were lucky to get the grant and then they called to ask if we would be in an ad,'' Mr Hardy said. ``The kids were over the moon.''

The Thirlmere-Tahmoor Junior Rugby League Club also received a grant of $1000 towards first aid and safety equipment including goal post and corner post pads.

Club secretary Peta Alderson said the grant was important to the club.

``We try to keep costs low for our parents so winning the grant means our registration fees can stay low and more kids can play the sport,'' Miss Alderson said.

To join the Picton Magpies Cricket Club contact Craig Hardy on 0423568807.