Aquatic athletes encouraged to apply for GLL Sport Foundation funding

The next generation of title-chasing aquatic athletes are being encouraged to apply for financial support in going for gold.

Ahead of a huge year of UK and world sport in 2020, the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF), the UK’s largest independent athlete support programme, is once again offering financial backing to help aspiring sporting talent fulfil their potential.

The GSF helped more than 300 athletes across 117 sporting disciplines in 2019, taking its total investment to £11 million in 11 years.

Last year, GSF backed 577 aquatic athletes to the value of £297,000.

Paralympic and world champion swimmer Susie Rodgers MBE and Olympic bronze medallist diver Tom Daley have both been ambassadors for GSL in previous years.

Supported athletes can benefit from financial support, physiotherapy, gym memberships at GLL’s Better sport and leisure facilities and more.

Continued support of athletes

Applications for the grants close on 20 February.

Sally Gunnell OBE, Patron of GLL Sport Foundation said: “It’s fantastic to see the continued support of athletes across the UK through the GLL Sport Foundation.

“GSF recognises the difficulty that many talented athletes face in getting the necessary support to take the next step into elite competition, with 96% of GSF athletes receiving no additional funding.

“With a massive year of sport coming up, this support will be even more important as many athletes begin to target major honours.”

Peter Bundey, Chair of GLL Sport Foundation added: “As a social enterprise, GLL continues to invest in these talented athletes within our communities through the GLL Sport Foundation.

“We are proud to once again partner with the Mary Peters Trust, SportsAid and SportsAid Wales to support the next generation of medal contenders and we are excited to receive this year’s applications.”