SPORTS ACCESS
Programme
SUPPORTIN SPORT Funding 2026
APPLICATIONS FOR SPORTS ACCESS PROGRAMME WILL RE-OPEN IN EARLY 2026
WHAT IS THE SPORTS ACCESS PROGRAMME?
We know that the cost of sport and physical activity can make it hard for families to keep children active. The Sports Access Programme is here to help.
Following a successful pilot in 2025, we’re continuing to support young people in Jersey access sport and physical activity settings who might otherwise miss out because of financial barriers.
Our goal is simple: To help every child in Jersey to have the chance to get active, enjoy sport and stay healthy — without money getting in the way.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The Sports Access Programme helps to cover the costs of getting children involved in local sport or physical activity — providing funding for things like:
- Club subscriptions or memberships
- Class or lesson costs
- Registration or participation fees
- Kit or equipment they need to take part safely
We work directly with local sport organisations who evidence minimum standards of governance, so you can be assured that each child is being active within a safe and welcoming environment. A list of sport organisations who are operating at these levels in 2026 can be viewed here: Safe and Sustainable Sport Health Check
WHO CAN GET HELP?
The Sports Access Programme exists to benefit as many children and young people who need financial support. They must be:
- Aged 0 to 17 years, and
- Living in Jersey, and
- Facing financial challenges that make it hard to meet the costs of sport or physical activity (e.g. families that qualify for Income Support, Jersey Premium or where there has been a change in family circumstances)
We are particularly interested in supporting children and young people who meet the above criteria, as well as one or more of the following:
- Are inactive, new to sport or returning after a break
- Are struggling to stay involved with grassroots sport because of costs
- Have been selected for a Jersey-based talent/development programme or similar within the same sport, and the additional costs are a step too far to manage
Sometimes, we can make exceptions if a situation does not fit perfectly with the above criteria. We would suggest you come and talk to us, prior to applying, if this is applicable.
MAKING AN APPLICATION
Getting help from the Sports Access Programme is quick and easy:
- Parents, Carers or Guardians can apply to support 1-6 children within one application. Details of a sponsor that is happy to support the application will be required.
- Professionals (i.e. Teacher, Family Support Worker, GP) or Volunteers with a sport organisation can also apply to support 1-6 children within one application.
Follow the link below to make an application to the Sports Access Programme:
APPLY HERE
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
We will review your application within two weeks of receiving it and be in touch to discuss any further details to help get or keep the child(ren) active in sport or physical activity.
If approved, we will contact you via email and distribute the funding directly to the sport organisation. If your application is not successful, we will explain why and help you explore other options.
(Note: We distribute all approved funding directly to sport organisations, not to families, to make things simple and transparent).
SHARING PROGRESS
We would love to hear how each child or young person is getting on, and if there is anything we can do to support their sport or physical activity experience being positive and successful. As well as this, every three months will ask families and/or sport organisations for some short updates and feedback to help us demonstrate the impact of the programme.
NEED HELP OR HAVE QUESTIONS?
If you would like to talk through the Sports Access Programme, please contact us in confidence at funding@jerseysport.je. We are happy to arrange a chat, help you make an application or guide you to the right sport.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- The Sports Access Programme helps children and young people to either start being active in a new sport or continue with one they already take part in. It is not designed to fund multiple sports or physical activities (new or existing).
- Funding should not replace any other support a family may already be receiving, but they can still apply for other sources to help cover extra costs.
- In special circumstances, applications may be reviewed by our independent Charitable Funding Committee to ensure decisions are fair and carefully considered.