In 2007 GLL became aware of numbers of young talented athletes having to give up on their dreams because of the high costs of training, travel and competition. National research showed the annual cost of attaining high national sport rankings averaged £6,000. In many cases, talent was being lost due to financial hardship with an associated negative impact on local young people, communities and spo
rts clubs. The GLL Sport Foundation was born, launched in 2008 with the support of Sally Gunnell OBE who became the Foundation's Patron. Since its inception the Foundation has provided over 8,400 athlete award bursaries totalling over £4.9million of support. GLL Sport Foundation Objectives
To support young people and athletic talent achieve their full sporting potential by reducing the financial burden of training and competition costs
To support young sports people from across partnerships where GLL and our partners operate sport and leisure venues, including partnerships that are recognised in England's most deprived social and economic areas
To promote the positive impact of our Ambassadors within their peer groups and local communities to inspire wider sporting participation
To seek long term sporting legacy and co-ordination with national talent development pathways
To continue the partnership with National Governing Bodies of sport via SportsAid ensuring the Foundation aligns with sporting pathways agreed within UK sport
To continue the partnership with localised sporting talent programmes maximising support for young sports people
To build partnerships and support nominated sport clubs that further their long term sporting legacy
To be the largest independent athlete support schemes for talented young people striving for national and international sporting success
