Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Athletes Grant Programme provides financial support of up to £1,000 for eligible elite and aspiring high-performing athletes to help with training and competition-related expenses. The programme supports athletes competing at provincial, national elite, international elite, and veterans/masters levels.
Applicants must be residents of the relevant Borough, compete in recognised sports, and apply before the event, activity, or project takes place.
What Is the Athletes Grant Programme?
The Athletes Grant Programme is a funding scheme designed to support athletes who are competing, or have the potential to compete, at high levels in their sport.
The programme helps athletes manage the costs involved in training, development, and competition participation.
The grant supports athletes competing at:
- Provincial level
- National elite level
- International elite level
- Veterans or masters level
The aim of the programme is to reduce financial barriers and help athletes progress to higher levels of competition.
How Much Funding Is Available?
The amount of funding depends on the athlete’s competition level.
- Provincial level athletes can receive up to £500
- National elite level athletes can receive up to £750
- International elite level athletes can receive up to £1,000
Funding decisions are based on eligibility, competition level, and whether the requested costs meet programme requirements.
What Can the Grant Be Used For?
The Athletes Grant Programme supports costs directly related to training and competition.
Eligible expenses include:
- Flights and travel costs
- Ferry expenses
- Train and bus travel
- Fuel costs
- Specialist coaching
- Physiotherapy treatment
- Competition entry fees
- Competition-related accommodation
All expenses must clearly support the athlete’s sporting performance and development.
Who Is Eligible?
Athletes can apply if they meet the required criteria.
Applicants must:
- Be residents of the Borough
- Compete at provincial, national elite, international elite, or veterans/masters level
- Participate in a recognised sport
- Be supported by an approved sporting governing body
- Apply before the event, training activity, or project begins
Recognised sports must be approved by:
- Sport NI
- An Irish Governing Body
- A UK Governing Body
Competition Level Requirements
Provincial Level Athletes:
Athletes competing at provincial level may receive funding of up to £500. This support is intended for athletes showing commitment, competitive ability, and potential progression.
National Elite Athletes:
Athletes competing at national elite level may receive funding of up to £750. Applicants must provide confirmation of their participation or selection.
International Elite Athletes:
Athletes representing their sport internationally may receive funding of up to £1,000. A selection letter confirming participation is required.
Why the Athletes Grant Programme Matters
Elite sport often requires significant financial investment. Training, travel, coaching, and competition expenses can create challenges for athletes.
The programme helps by:
- Improving access to high-quality training
- Supporting competition participation
- Reducing personal financial pressure
- Helping athletes achieve higher performance levels
- Encouraging sporting excellence
Financial assistance allows athletes to focus more effectively on preparation and performance.
How to Apply for the Athletes Grant Programme
Follow these steps to apply:
- Check eligibility:
- Confirm you live in the Borough
- Ensure your sport is officially recognised
- Confirm your competition level meets requirements
- Review eligible expenses
- Prepare documents:
Applicants may need:
- Proof of residency
- Details of sporting achievements
- Competition details
- Cost breakdown
- Selection letter for national or international competitions
- Submit the application before the event:
Applications must be submitted before:
- The competition takes place
- The training activity starts
- The funded project begins
Retrospective applications will not be accepted.
- Use funding correctly:
Approved funding must only be used for eligible sporting expenses.
What the Grant Does Not Cover
The programme does not provide funding for:
- Professional athletes
- People who are not residents of the Borough
- Sports that are not recognised by governing bodies
- Clothing
- Sports kit
- Equipment
- Refreshments
- Club memberships
- Road tolls
- Insurance costs
- Parent or coach travel expenses
- Training or development squads
- Salary payments
- Alcohol
- Expenses unrelated to sporting requirements
Self-Entry Competitors
Self-entry competitors are generally not eligible for support.
Exceptions may apply where a sport is organised only through self-entry at elite level, such as golf.
Applications are assessed based on the structure and recognised pathway of the sport.
Application Limits
The programme has limits to ensure fair access to funding.
Rules include:
- Usually only one application per athlete is accepted each financial year
- A maximum of five applicants from one club can apply each financial year
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid these mistakes:
- Applying after the competition or activity has already happened
- Requesting funding for items that are not eligible
- Not providing required documents
- Applying for a sport that is not recognised
- Forgetting residency requirements
- Submitting unclear cost information
Preparing documents early can improve the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for the Athletes Grant Programme?
Athletes who live in the Borough and compete at provincial, national elite, international elite, or veterans/masters level can apply if their sport is recognised by an approved governing body.
2. How much funding is available?
Funding ranges from £500 to £1,000 depending on the athlete’s competition level.
3. Can athletes apply after completing their competition?
No. Applications must be submitted before the event, training activity, or project begins.
4. Are professional athletes eligible?
No. The programme does not support professional athletes.
5. Can funding be used for sports equipment or clothing?
No. Equipment, clothing, and general kit costs are not covered.
6. Do national and international athletes need additional proof?
Yes. They must provide a selection letter confirming their participation.
7. Can multiple athletes from the same club apply?
Yes, but no more than five applicants from the same club can apply during one financial year.
Final Summary
The Athletes Grant Programme supports talented athletes by providing financial assistance for essential training and competition expenses. It helps athletes competing at provincial, national elite, international elite, and veterans/masters levels continue developing their sporting careers.
Eligible athletes should apply before their event, provide all required documents, and ensure their requested costs directly support their sporting goals.
For more information, visit Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
