The Greenwich Leisure Limited Sport Foundation (GSF) was established in 2008 to meet significant funding issues that effect the majority of young talented sports people. The scheme has grown year on year, and having given a total award value of £6.1m since it was founded, is now the largest independent athlete talent programme in the UK.
As a charitable social enterprise, GLL also recognises the social, health and community benefits of getting young people into sport and physical activity. The athletes that we support through the programme are extremely effective and inspirational role models for their peers and local communities.
We believe that most of the athletes helped by GSF will also give something back to sport and society in some form; this could be as a future inspirational champion, coach, sport volunteer, fund raiser or often as a role model who inspires activity and involvement in sport from other young people.
The athlete support from the GSF is intended to provide practical and tangible help which is athlete-focused and easy to administer. In addition to financial awards, the scheme has developed to also include free access to training facilities, sports science and medical support, as well as sport seminars and workshops.
Overall, 75 per cent of supported athletes are aged under 21 when we know that there is very little funding available. However, training and competition costs remain high. These athletes all have high national rankings and many represent their country at international events and yet 90 per cent of GSF award recipients receive no other sport funding.
Young people need positive support and sport needs emerging talent to keep Britain improving on a world stage. We believe GSF is making a positive contribution to both agendas (see page 13).