Applications are open for GLL Sport Foundation 2025/26
Are you an aspiring athlete in Lee Valley or do you know an athlete that needs support?
The GLL Sport Foundation, has opened its annual award programme for new applications for those looking to join the UK’s largest independent athlete support programme.
Talented athletes who train at the Lee Valley venues are invited to apply for a range of support awards which include financial support, free access to sport facilities, physiotherapy, lifestyle mentoring and mental health support.
The GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) was launched 17 years ago by Lee Valley sport and leisure operator and charitable social enterprise GLL, with the aim of supporting talented young athletes with funding and practical help. It has so far contributed over £13m to help over 24,000 athletes on their sporting journey.
For example, Team GB was represented by Lee Valley White Water Centre’s Kimberley Woods and Joe Clarke. Joe explained that “having access to the GSF Awards means helping to access equipment” while Kimberley said that “it’s important to access support when you are younger. I would use the gym membership for strength training”. Both athletes went on to achieve podium finishes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games!
GLL Sport Foundation supported athletes have excelled in major competitions and have gained over 86 Olympic and Paralympic medals and 77 Commonwealth Games medals. Previous holders of GSF awards include Darryl Neita (athletics), Anna Hursey (table tennis), Charlotte Worthington (BMX), Alex Yee (triathlon), boxers Anthony Joshua, Aiden and Michaela Walsh, divers Tom Daley, Matty Lee and Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, swimmers Tully Kearney, Susie Rodgers, Tom Dean and Ellie Simmons.
It’s not just younger athletes than can benefit either. Masters athlete Evaun Williams, 87, stole the spotlight at the recent Outdoor Masters Championships, winning gold in multiple throwing events and setting four new world records. She credits the GLL Sport Foundation for easing the financial burden of training, letting her focus on competition. “The foundation has allowed me to train without worrying about paying for entry, which means I can put that money toward travel expenses for competitions”.
In addition to the world class facilities here in Lee Valley, athletes who receive support can also use a number of iconic legacy venues across the nation including Copper Box Arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Manchester Aquatics Centre and the National Cycling Centre as well as free access to the 250 sport and leisure facilities across the UK operated by GLL under its “Better” trading brand.
GSF awards application window closes on 20 February 2025.