Surfing England are delighted to announce that applications are now open for the 2027 SportsAid and Backing the Best awards, continuing our successful partnership with SportsAid to support talented young surfers, SUPers and adaptive surfers.
With the costs of training, travelling and competing continuing to rise, these awards provide valuable financial support to help athletes reach their potential.
Since the partnership began in 2021, Surfing England has helped secure over £250,000 in funding for English surfers through SportsAid, supporting athletes with the costs of coaching, equipment, training and competition.
The programme has supported athletes across our junior, SUP and adaptive pathways, helping to remove financial barriers and create opportunities to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
We are proud of the difference this partnership has made and look forward to supporting more athletes in 2027.
What’s available?
There are two funding programmes available:
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Backing the Best – Up to £5,000:
Funded by Sport England and delivered by SportsAid, this programme supports talented athletes experiencing significant financial hardship. Applicants would normally have a household income below £55,000, although exceptional circumstances can be considered.
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SportsAid Awards – Typically £2,500:
Supporting talented athletes where financial assistance would make a meaningful difference to their ability to train, compete and progress. There is no fixed household income threshold, but athletes must demonstrate genuine financial need.
Both programmes recognise sporting potential alongside financial circumstances.
As part of Surfing England’s commitment to making competitive surfing more accessible, we continue to target 50% of our Backing the Best awards towards athletes from under-represented communities and areas outside the traditional South West surfing heartlands.
How to apply
Applications are open now, with a closing date of Monday 16 November 2026.
Athletes wishing to be considered must complete the Surfing England Athlete Support Application Form and return it to juniorteam@surfingengland.org.
Our nomination panel will review applications during the week commencing 23 November, with applicants informed of the outcome by 1 December.
Successful nominees will then be invited to complete a further application directly with SportsAid, who will make the final funding decisions.
Application documents:
- 2027 Athlete Support Application Form
- Surfing England Nomination Process and Eligibility Criteria
- SportsAid 2027 Award Guidance
We know the commitment and financial sacrifices that athletes and their families make to compete at a high level, and we’d encourage anyone who meets the criteria to consider applying.
A huge thank you to SportsAid and Sport England for their continued support of English surfing.
For further information, please contact juniorteam@surfingengland.org.
