Camden athletes invited to apply for support from GLL Sport Foundation - Camden Rise

The UK’s largest independent athlete support programme has opened its annual award programme for new applications until 20 February 2023.

Talented athletes from across 65 areas across the UK - including Camden - are invited to apply for a range of support awards which include financial support, access to sport facilities, physiotherapy, lifestyle mentoring and mental health support. 

The GLL Sport Foundation is celebrating its 15th year in 2023, having contributed over £13 million to help over 24,000 athletes on their sporting journey. 
 
The innovative scheme is provided by charitable social enterprise GLL and expects to award £1.2 million of help this year for successful applicants, who will be given access to the 250 sport and leisure facilities across the UK operated by GLL under its 'Better' trading brand. 

The award application announcement for 2023 was made at Lee Valley VeloPark, in east London, which hosted the Commonwealth Games Track Cycling event in 2022.

Over the past 15 years, athletes supported by the GLL Sport Foundation have excelled in major competitions and have gained 76 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.

One of the main aims of the programme is to support young emerging talent on their sporting journey, with the majority of athletes aged under 21 and most of those under 18. Across the programme, 87% of athletes receive no other funding or athlete support.
 
Daryll Neita, who secured a bronze in the women’s 100m and a silver in the 4x4 100m relay at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games said:  “I am so thankful for the support I have received from GLL Sport Foundation. My first individual medal ever is extremely special and I would not be here if it wasn’t for the support I have received from the GLL ‘family’.”

Shaun Dawson, Chief Executive of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority said: “We’re delighted to support the GLL Sport Foundation Awards in 2023. These are hard times for athletes so any extra financial or practical help is welcomed ahead of national and international competition."

Applications are open until 20 February 2023 via the website. You can find out if you're eligible here.