GLL Sport Foundation Applications Open

In 2019, GLL – the UK’s largest charitable leisure social enterprise - is set to support more than three thousand athletes, through its athlete support programme, the GLL Sport Foundation. Applications open on 20th December 2018 and close 20th February 2019.

The GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) supports athletes across 73 areas of the UK. Supported athletes can benefit from financial support, physiotherapy, a ‘Better’ Gym membership and more. In 2018 GLL support more than 400 Aquatics Athletes and in 2019 is investing over £1.6 million into the development of local athletes who aspire to follow in the footsteps of athletes such as Susie Rodgers, Thomas Hamer and Ellie Simmonds.

Supported ambassador and Paralympic gold medallist Susie Rodgers explained how the support has aided her journey and can to thousands more “I was a recipient of the programme from the start of my career; I would recommend you all apply its that support that makes a real difference, and who know in the future you might become an Olympic or Paralympic champion”.

Video interview snapshot - https://youtu.be/VtKcJZ0Vlm0

In 2018, 70% of the GLL Sport Foundation’s supported athletes were under  21 years old  and 93%  received no other funding; the impact of the Foundation is significant and highlighted by GSF Patron Sally Gunnell OBE.

Sally Gunnell OBE, still remains the only athlete to hold consecutive Olympic, World and Commonwealth titles. “I understand how important our support from the Foundation can be to the realisation of sporting ambitions. This is ever more important today with centralised sport funding being squeezed further; we are an important resource in bridging the gap for young aspiring athletes. Support to these young athletes also goes beyond the field of play. It has an educational value by promoting the opportunity that sport can bring and promoting the benefits of healthy lifestyles to positively impact their local communities.”

Over its 10 years, the GLL Sport Foundation has invested over £9 million supporting athletes, providing more than 16,000 awards. This support has yielded a staggering 33 Olympic and Paralympic medals for  GSF athletes. Athletes can join this prestigious group by applying for support in 2019.

Applications are open until 20th February 2019 via the website portal – www.gllsportfoundation.org