We are delighted to be working with our partners at SportsAid and offering the opportunity of funding and high-level sports coaching to some of our most promising young surfers.
For 2024 we are looking to support up to 6 athletes on the SportsAid programme, with grants of up to £1000 available, and a series of performance orientated workshops and mentoring. At these successful applicants will get to meet and work with some of the country’s foremost experts and other young athletes from across the sporting world.
We will also be nominating up to 10 surfers for the Backing the Best award. This award is focused on supporting athletes with outstanding ability, but who face economic hardship that means they might not get the opportunity to fulfil their potential. With up to £5000 of funding available for each surfer we can make a real difference, helping them to access more coaching, attend more competitions, invest in better equipment, and generally support their journey as young competitive surfers.
As part of Surfing England’s ongoing commitment to tackling diversity and inclusion in surfing, we are committing 50% of the Backing the Best awards for athletes that are from under-represented communities within surfing and from geographies outside of the Southwest surfing heartlands.
This is to help support our ambition to widen the demographic profile of surfers coming into the talent pathway. We believe diversity of background, thought and approach can be a real strength for our training squads and teams as we look to continue building on recent success at a European and World level for our junior and para surfers.
How do I get involved?
Nominations are open to all Team England junior and adaptive team members. Nominations are also accepted from surfers outside the talent pathway who can demonstrate both:
- Outstanding level of surfing ability and;
- Are from underrepresented communities in surfing
What does outstanding ability mean?
In this case, it is young surfers that have the raw talent and potential to grow into internationally competitive athletes. They need to demonstrate a high level of surfing ability, and explain why they are not yet selected for Team England – for example lack of funds or long travel distance to enter competitions.
What does underrepresented communities in surfing mean?
We are looking to broaden our talent pathway and we’re seeking applications from those who meet some of below criteria:
- Are from ethnically diverse communities and backgrounds
- Have a disability
- Come from parts of the country that don’t have access to the coaching, club, and competition structure of the Southwest
How do I apply?
All applicants must read the nomination process and eligibility criteria ahead of applying.
To apply, complete the athlete support form and send to lineup@surfingengland.org with SPORTSAID in the subject heading.
Nominations must be in by 09:00 on the: 27th November 2023.
The nominations and award timetable is set out in the nominations process document, and all successful nominees will have their awards confirmed and allocated by March 2024.
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