SPORTSAID

SportsAid provides financial support to talented athletes to help reduce the cost of training and competing. Working alongside national governing bodies, SportsAid delivers two different grant programmes for developing athletes: SportsAid Awards and Backing the Best.

SPORTSAID AWARDS

SportsAid Award is designed to support talented young athletes who are progressing through the national talent pathway but are not yet receiving significant public funding.

Awards typically provide up to £1,000 to help with the costs associated with training and competition, such as equipment, travel, competition expenses and coaching. In addition to financial support, all nominated athletes have access to SportsAid's personal development programme, including workshops, mentoring and educational resources.

To be considered for a SportsAid Award, athletes must:

  • Be nominated by Snowsport England (athletes cannot apply directly)

  • Compete in a sport supported by SportsAid

  • Be selected onto a Snowsport England or GB Snowsport squad

  • Be identified as having the potential to progress within the national performance pathway

  • Not be in receipt of UK Sport World Class Programme Podium or Podium Potential funding

Please note: Receiving a SportsAid nomination does not guarantee a financial award as awards are dependent on the funding available each year.

BACKING THE BEST

Backing the Best is a Sport England-funded programme, delivered by SportsAid, which provides additional financial support to talented athletes who are facing significant financial barriers to participating in high-performance sport.

Awards are worth up to £5,000 per year and are intended to remove some of the financial obstacles that might otherwise prevent an athlete from fulfilling their potential. Funding can contribute towards costs including competition travel, accommodation, specialist coaching, strength and conditioning support, physiotherapy, equipment and medical expenses. 

To be eligible for Backing the Best, athletes must:

  • Be nominated by Snowsport England

  • Demonstrate outstanding sporting talent and future potential

  • Be experiencing significant financial hardship that affects their ability to continue progressing in their sport

  • Normally have a gross household income below £55,000 (regional variations may be considered)

  • Primarily live and train in England

  • Be eligible to represent England and/or Great Britain

  • Typically be aged 12–18 years-old or up to 35 years-old in para sports

  • Not receive UK Sport World Class Programme Podium or Podium Potential funding

Please note: Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award as the programme has a limited number of places each year.

Photo: Andrea Briseno

HOW DO NOMINATIONS WORK?

Snowsport England reviews eligible athletes each year and submits nominations to SportsAid. As both programmes receive a limited allocation of funding, not all eligible athletes can be nominated or receive an award.

 Athletes who are nominated will be contacted directly with further information about the next steps.

For more information, email tom@snowsportengland.org.uk