Athletes on the Talent Pathway needing financial or other support to help them on their journey towards the top level of the sport in England can access several funds.

The summaries below explain the main sources of funding support and some personal funding strategies.

 

Ann Jarvis Hardship Fund

 

TASS

Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme Awards are specifically given to a limited number of beach athletes aged 16 or above and who have proven themselves on the talent pathway.

The award provides access to a range of sport and exercise science services including S&C, sports psych, lifestyle and medical help towards training and competing.

For more information, click here.

 

Sports Aid

This fund helps young sports people overcome the financial challenges they face, in their bid to become Britain’s next generation of sporting heroes. 

Athletes must demonstrate genuine financial need and show that receiving this award would significantly impact their ability to remain on the Talent Pathway. While athletic performance is an important consideration, priority is  given to those for whom the £2,500 award is essential to continuing their sporting journey.

Volleyball is allocated a limited number of number of SportsAid places each year in November. 

 

Backing the Best

This is run by SportsAid in behalf of Sport England and is for young, exceptionally talented athletes in the early stages of their careers and who face the greatest financial challenges.

Volleyball England is allocated approximately 8–10 SportsAid Awards each year through this scheme. Backing The Best awards are worth up to £5,000 per year to help cover expensive costs such as travel and accommodation at training camps, and international competitions, physiotherapy,  equipment and kit, strength and conditioning coaching, and medical bills. Backing the Best is prioritised for athletes who are most likely to represent England in Beach or Indoor Volleyball, as they typically face the highest performance-related costs.

Application Process Backing the Best and SportsAid

The application process for SportsAid and Backing the Best opens annually in October/November, with successful applicants receiving funding from 1st April of the following year, valid for one year. All athletes on the Talent Pathway will be provided with information on how to apply. There are strict eligibility criteria, and any athlete who meets these criteria is welcome to apply. Applications for this fund are accepted once per year only and cannot be considered at any other time of the year.

 

Crowdfunding

Athletes can launch personal fundraising campaigns through via GoFundMe, supported by the Volleyball England Foundation.

Guidance on how to det up a  fundraising page is available here  Athletes should share their story and goals, include photos and videos, and provide regular updates to supporters.

 

Local Sponsorship

Approach local businesses or sports-related companies for sponsorship with a short sponsorship proposal outlining their journey and what you can offer in return such as logo placement on off court kit; social media shoutouts; event appearances.

 

GLL Sports Foundation 

The GLL Sport Foundation aims to support talented athletes to develop sport performance and achieve sporting success. Applications are open annually from December until February and athletes' support begins in April each year. 

Athletes receive:

1. financial support through awards ranging from £200-£1250 and/or

2. training membership support providing free access to sport and leisure venues currently managed by GLL and our partners

3. sport science support through access to physiotherapy, injury rehabilitation and other sport science programmes

4. and can also gain employment for GLL and access learning, qualifications and development opportunities through the GLL Sport Foundation and GLL.

To qualify for an award athletes must have a direct link to where GLL operate sport and leisure venues and  compete within performance sport from a regional – international level. You can find out more here.

 

Active Partnerships

Some County Sport/Active Partnership have funds for talented athletes. Find contacts in your region here Check eligibility criteria and deadlines carefully.

turn2us.org.uk is a charity search engine which has a ‘Grant’ section where students can enter their postcode, gender and age and it filters on charities registered with them.

 

Grants online

Grants Online is the UK's most comprehensive and up to date UK grant funding information service. Updated on a daily basis, Grants Online shares funding opportunities from the UK Government Agencies, the Lottery as well as Grant Making Trusts & Foundations. grantsonline.org.uk/search/grants

 

Charitable Trusts and Foundations

There are a number of charities that offer support or grants for essential sports equipment. There may also be local charities that fund talented athletes in your area. For example, Sport Newcastle is a charity offering individual grants and scholarships to sportspeople living in Tyneside.  You can find applicable trusts here

 

Local Councils

Local Councilsoften have a ‘talented athlete’ scheme – sometimes this is both monetary and access to local sports centres, generally they would be looking for a nationally ranked athlete. Check your local council website or contact them directly to explore what funding may be available.

 

Clubs and schools

Clubs and schools play a vital role in getting people into the game, supporting and underpinning the delivery of the whole talent pathway. They support athletes by providing equipment or covering training and competition fees. Contact your club and/or school directly to explore what may be available to you.