FANS members in full-time education can apply for a small grant to help them with the costs associated with training and competing at a National and International level. Read below how some FANS members have used the grant.
Alara Sapmaz – Artistic Swimming
“Throughout the year I have participated in many competitions and training courses. I am going to The Cobham Residential Training Camp for five days, travelling to Spain for a week as part of the South East Regional Squad and will be competing in Scotland in October at the Scottish National Age Group Championships.
It’s not a cheap sport, so the grant contribution helps with competitions and training residentials. The costs increase every year, and we have to raise over £3000 per year on travel, entries and equipment. The grant contribution is invaluable to me.”
Frankie Smith – Karate
“The funding went towards entry fees for the British Championships at which I qualified to represent Karate England in WUKF World Championships in July 2025 in Malmo Sweden. I was able to compete and win a medal in the British Championships qualifying event allowing me to represent Karate England in the WUKF World Championships where I became World Champion in Inclusive Combat and silver medalist in Inclusive Kata.
Without this funding I would not have had the money to pay the fees to compete. The sport is fully funded by individual athletes. I have autism spectrum disorder and learning difficulties and my mum is a carer for me so unable to work. This funding took away some of the pressure and meant I was able to compete.”
James Wallace – Roller Hockey
“The grant went towards the purchase of team kit so that I could represent Great Britain at an international roller tournament held in Spain. With both Roller and Ice Hockey being very niche sports, the cost barrier to entry for children is an obstacle that many families have to overcome. The grant has allowed me to participate, meet new players and new coaches along the way. This has contributed to not only my physical wellbeing, but my mental wellness too.
Both ice hockey and roller hockey still receive very little funding at the grassroots level. Players that are fortunate enough to be on the development pathway with programmes such as England Ice Hockey are still required to self-fund for trails, training sessions and trips to represent their nation. This is in addition to the general club hockey subscriptions and fees, and the cost of travelling to rinks across the country to participate.“
Olivia Quiller – Swimming
“I was selected to represent England at the World School Games in Serbia in April 2025. Receiving the grant made an extremely valuable contribution towards funding the trip. To be able to compete for England overseas in such an incredible worldwide event has been invaluable. I was able to meet new athletes from across the globe and learn from watching top level competitive swimmers from different countries. The experience has motivated me hugely and I would love to be able to represent my country in other international events.
On top of extensive training and equipment fees and national travel almost every weekend, there are also competition suits, goggles and dry land kit which are necessary but expensive items to ensure I am able to perform my best. The support of this funding has been invaluable in assisting towards these expenses.”
Zara Berwick – Inline Hockey
“The small grant funding went towards the purchase of my team GB jerseys for the European Championships I competed in July 2025 in Italy. The funding was a huge help as the trip and kit are fully self-funded.
Both Inline and Ice Hockey are very expensive sports. My family and I have had to fund every aspect of it so every bit of funding towards the costs is a big help. I work hard to keep my fitness levels up outside of the sport too and having supported gym membership via the Kent FANS Scheme helps a lot.”
