Applications for the 2025 GLL Sports Foundation Awards close on 20 February with the opportunity to gain additional funding and access to ‘Better’ branded facilities in Bedford still open for the Borough’s budding athletes.
In 2024, sixteen of Bedford’s athletes were supported to the tune of £10,100 and now the chance to be part of 2025’s cohort is open, with many of the town’s top prospects benefiting from the support on offer.
According to research carried out by GLL, support for the next generation of athletes is seen as a major way to spread opportunities in local communities.
Supporting sport is seen as important by the people in the East of England – 84% of those surveyed said taking part in competitive sports benefited young people’s physical health, helped improve discipline and focus (64%) and aided social and teamwork skills (65%).
A quarter say that a career in sport offers great opportunities to younger people from under privileged backgrounds.
A total of 2,256 athletes benefited from the national 2024 intake of its Sport Foundation, with a total of £1.295m donated, comprising of financial bursaries, training, access memberships and physiotherapy.
That number is due to rise to almost £1.4m for 2025.
Achieve your goals with GSF grant
One Bedford athlete who was the beneficiary of part of the 2024 grant says the extra help has assisted in helping her train whenever she likes, and with the money also contributing to much-needed training kit.
Thaila-Jade Mason, 16, of Bedford and County Athletics Club enjoyed a stellar year last season, as she was selected to represent England twice in 2024, for the SIAB Schools International Championships, where she won silver and bronze medals.
Thaila-Jade also won a long jump gold medal at the English Schools Championships, jumping 5.92m before winning the Junior Personality of the Year award at the Bedford Borough Sports and Physical Activity Awards in December.
Read: Bedford and County athlete recovers to win brilliant bronze at international pentathlon
“I’m totally committed to sport and put in a lot of effort, but none of this would be possible without the additional support I receive, such as the sponsorship from GLL”, added Thaila-Jade.
“Being a part of the GSF programme has meant that I get to train as often as I like, and they’ve also contributed towards my training kit. I would encourage anyone with a passion for sport to apply as it can really help you achieve your goals.”
For more information and an application form, applicants can go to www.gllsportfoundation.co.uk.
