SPORTS ACCESS
Programme
SUPPORTIN SPORT Funding 2026
APPLICATIONS FOR SPORTS ACCESS PROGRAMME ARE OPEN 5 JANUARY – 30 NOVEMBER 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.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE APPLYING
- The SPORTS ACCESS Programme helps children and young people try a new sport or keep taking part in one they already enjoy. As part of the application, families will be asked to tell us about any sports or physical activities their child is currently doing.
- The programme is designed to support one main sport or activity at a time, rather than several activities at once. This helps us make sure support is focused and meaningful.
- The programme does not cover childcare costs. Some activities, such as holiday sports camps, may be funded only if they help a child begin a longer‑term sport pathway. This means regular or weekly participation, rather than one‑off activities. If you are looking for childcare options in the school holidays, please see the section below.
- Funding should not replace other financial support a family may already receive, but families can still apply for other help to cover additional costs. In some special circumstances, applications may be reviewed by our independent Charitable Funding Committee to make sure decisions are fair and carefully considered.
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 1-5 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 make the relevant payments. 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’d love to hear how your child or young person is getting on in their sport or activity, and whether everything is going well. This helps us understand what is working and how we can best support them.
Every three months, we will ask families and/or sports for a short update. This feedback helps us show the difference the programme is making and make sure the right support is in place. We know life can be busy, so we will always try to remind you and help where we can.
If we are unable to get any updates for a long period, we may need to pause any extra funding for activities until families are back in touch.
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.
OTHER SUPPORT FOR HOLIDAY CLUBS AND CHILDCARE
If you need help paying for holiday clubs or childcare, there may be other support available.
Families may be able to get support through:
- Jersey Child Care Trust – Every Step Funding Programme
- Government Income Support
This support can include:
- Funded or reduced‑cost holiday childcare for children aged 2 to 11
- Help with upfront childcare payments
- Extra support for working families or families with additional care needs
You can find more information using the links below:
Every Step Funding Programme | Jersey Child Care Trust
How your Income Support benefit is made up
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Jersey Sport are grateful to The Philip Gower Foundation, The Barry Burns Foundation and The Jersey Community Foundation for their generous funding contributions that make the delivery of the Sports Access Programme possible.