GLL provides synchronised swimming funding

GLL will provide synchronised swimming funding to 32 athletes, part of their GLL Sport Foundation fund of £1.2 million.

The GSF is the largest independent athlete talent programme in the UK and works in partnership with the ASA, British Swimming and SportsAid, as well as local councils.

Some of the athletes like Olympian Katie Clark will be looking towards the 2016 Olympics. They will use their awards to assist in preparation for this event in the summer. Most of the synchronised swimmers receiving awards will be targeting the 2020 and 2024 games. The GSF awards can be used for things like training camps, sports science and physio support.

The GSF supports over 30 sporting disciplines represented at the Olympics, Paralympics, Deaflympics and Special Olympics. Most of the funding is provided to young athletes. Around 88% of awards are to athletes under the age of 21.

Awards are usually offered to those who need it most to cover the costs of competition and training. A total of  84% of GSF supported athletes receive no other synchronised swimming funding.

How synchronised swimming funding helps athletes

GB synchronised swimmer, Katie Clarke, said: “I successfully trialled for a place in the 2015/16 GB senior squad and am currently part of the four strong duet squad as well as the team. Olivia Federici and I competed at the Rio 2016 qualifiers in March. We have now been selected to compete at the 2016 Olympics.

“In addition, I will be representing GB in team/duet at the European Aquatic Championships being held at the London Aquatic Centre. I am an unfunded athlete and still a student so synchronised swimming funding would be greatly appreciated. I was a GLL Ambassador in 2012 and 2013 and would hope to take up the role again. It allows me to help increase the profile of the sport and encourage the aspirations of younger swimmers.”

Emma Critchley of Reading Royals SC is another synchronised swimmer looking for Olympic success in the future. She commented: “Thanks to a GLL SportsAid award last year, I was able to access physiotherapy and personal training to support the intense England training programme.

“I had an amazing year, qualifying for and then competing at the first European Games in Baku. I finished the year getting a silver medal at nationals for a newly choreographed solo. A GLL award will help me to access local training facilities in order to fulfil my training hours. It will also helping financially with personal training and physiotherapy costs to help maintain my fitness.”

Find out more about GLL Sport Foundation synchronised swimming funding.