Performance Sport
Programme
APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026 PERFORMANCE SPORT PROGRAMME OPEN ON JANUARY 12 FOR ATHLETES, COACHES AND OFFICIALS
The Performance Sport Programme exists to support a targeted and focused pool of talented athletes who are currently performing at or have the potential to perform at the highest level in their respective sport. The Performance Sport Programme was piloted in 2024 and reviewed ahead of delivery in 2025.
After two successful athlete cohorts, the performance sport programme is expanding to support not just athletes, but aspiring coaches and officials who wish to excel in their field.
See details of all 43 athletes supported by the 2024 and 2025 Performance Sport Programmes via the links below:
DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME
Whilst the Performance Sport Programme is largely grant-based, it also supports athletes, coaches and officials through a series of support services to help maximise their potential. Working closely with key partners and experienced industry practitioners, Jersey Sport are pleased to offer a multi-disciplinary support package that forms the service provision of the Performance Sport Programme.
During 2025, the Performance Sport Programme’s key objectives are to:
- Engage with local sport organisations and cater to the needs of their performance athletes who have been selected as part of the 2024 and 2025 programme
- Collaborate with a range of support services to enable access for athletes without financial expenditure
- Review and continuously improve the programme with key stakeholders
SUPPORT SERVICES
- Strength and conditioning
- Medical support
- Anti-doping education
- Nutrition advice
- Injury prevention and rehabilitation
- Media training & promotion
- Psychology services and mental health support
- Other relevant upskilling and training
ATHLETE, COACH & OFFICIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be eligible for consideration, athletes must qualify in any, or all, of the following categories:
- Born in Jersey
- Resident in Jersey for the preceding two years (open to all nationalities)
- Eligible through either of the above, but currently studying/living/competing in the UK or overseas.
Athletes who are already on the programme are not eligible to apply for 2026 funding.
In addition to the above, athletes must also meet one of the following performance criteria:
- Podium
Athletes who demonstrate the ability to deliver success/medal winning performances at international level within the next 3 years, and are already a part of a recognised National Performance Pathway by their respective sport’s National Governing Body or World Federation.
- Podium Potential
Developing athletes who demonstrate the potential to deliver international success/medal winning performances at international level within the next 8 years, and are already a part of a recognised National Performance Pathway by their respective sport’s National Governing Body or World Federation.
If you are a coach or official, in addition to the above eligibility, you must also meet the following performance criteria:
- Be performing at least at a national level to be considered for the programme. Any UK National Governing Body organised competition constitutes national level
- https://www.sportengland.org/guidance-and-support/national-governing-bodies?section=recognised-ngbs-section
- Hold a valid and in date DBS, First Aid and appropriate Safeguarding training
Before applying, please read the following documents to ensure your application is eligible and meets the relevant performance criteria outlined above:
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT
To make an application, applicants will need to:
- Register as an ‘Individual’ on our online grants management system, SmartSimple.
- Select the ‘Funding Opportunities for Individuals’ icon under ‘APPLICATIONS’.
- Select Performance Sport Programme 2026 and submit your application online.
Please be aware that all athletes applying for the 2026 Performance Sport Programme must submit a new application via SmartSimple. If you are an athlete who was unsuccessful with your 2024 or 2025 application you are required to submit a new application if you intend to apply for the 2026 programme.
CONTRIBUTORS
Jersey Sport have recruited a Performance Sport Programme Working Group who bring valuable knowledge and diverse experience to support the delivery and review of the programme. All individuals have experience of designing and delivering performance sport structures and/or a passion, experience and knowledge of performance sport environments as an athlete, coach or official.
The Performance Sport Programme Working Group for 2025 consists of Alex Mollin (Golf), Gemma Atherley (Aquatic Sports), Scott Van Breda (Rugby), Serena Kersten MBE (Netball) and Zara Asante (Athletics).
