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.
Eilidh Paterson – Fencing
“The grant went towards the cost of travelling to three European Circuit events as part of the GB U17 squad. These were in Budapest, Klagenfurt and Grenoble and are a requirement of British Fencing to achieve the qualification standard to be considered for selection for the GB Team for the European and World Championships.
I am now No.1 on the GB Cadet Women’s Epee rankings, moving up from 4th in September. I was second in the British Cadet Championships in September and then won the British Ranking Competition in November. The funding and access to training facilities has undoubtedly supported me massively in this achievement. The GB Team Manager has commented on how much stronger and mobile I am now, thanks to the increased strength and conditioning I am doing using my FANS membership.”
Jack Dalton – Roller Hockey
“The funding I received has had a transformative impact on my participation in roller hockey and overall physical activity. It helped towards being able to take part in Eurockey. This opportunity not only enhanced my skills but also provided a platform for me to grow as an athlete by facing challenges at the highest level of youth competition.
The grant helped alleviate some of the financial burden associated with international tournaments, ensuring that I could fully engage in this unique experience without added stress. This support made it possible for me to focus on my performance and enjoy the opportunity to represent my team and community on such a significant stage. The experience has had a lasting effect on my enthusiasm and commitment to this sport.“
Jorge Fowler – Karate
“Since September, I have competed at the GB Open in Birmingham and won both silver and bronze medals. I also attended the European Championships in Poland in November and won my category and came home with a gold medal. I am now training for a competition in Harlow, Clacton and the 2025 GB Open in Birmingham and hopefully the World Championship in Latvia.
The funding has helped immensely towards the competition category fees and some equipment for Poland where I won Gold. There are always financial challenges and sometimes finding the time to train and keep up to date with schoolwork can be hard, but I am managing to do both.”
William Beckett – Korfball
“The cost of participating in Korfball is relentless – funding for club, regional, and national participation, each involves travelling to participate in training and matches. Kits are different for each level of participation and must be bought by the player. To have a little extra support is highly welcome and is the difference for some players between whether they can or cannot attend the session or competition.
The only way to have Korfball pushed more into the spotlight is by having the best players compete and showcase the sport, so it is disappointing when some are not able to attend due to the costs involved. Thank you for being able to offer some monetary support. It is hugely welcome. The grant helped to cover the cost of the travel, food and hotel accommodation.“
Willow Frith – Artistic Roller Skating
“I used the funding towards a trip to Venice to take part in a World Skate two-day training event. Being able to train with the best coaches in the world has enhanced my abilities and will hopefully help me achieve a good score at the British Championships in 2025. I am also able to pass on what I learnt in Venice to other skaters in the club who did not get the opportunity to attend.
I am aiming to enter international competitions this year. However, skating gets no government funding and as a club we have to fund ourselves to be able to compete abroad. Being able to apply for grants to cover some of these costs is so helpful to achieve my dreams.”
