As GLL’s Sports Foundation opens its doors for 2025, new research shows that Londoners recognise the importance of giving talented athletes a ‘leg up’.
According to the findings, providing funding and support to the next generation of athletes is seen as a major way to spread opportunities in local communities. Access to facilities and athlete health and wellbeing services is similarly key.
Supporting sport is seen as important by the people of London – 75% of those surveyed said taking part in competitive sports benefited young people’s physical health, discipline/focus – 67%, and social/teamwork skills – 68%.
Meanwhile, 43% say that a career in sport offers great opportunities to younger people from underprivileged backgrounds. That’s ahead of public sector jobs like teaching – 20% and NHS – 21% or private sector jobs like finance – 19% and IT – 36%.
Furthermore, younger people in London were more likely than older people to identify a career in sport as a way to make a living – 30% of 18 to 24’s and 38% of 25 to 34’s versus just 22% of 55 to 64 year-olds).
The research was conducted by The GLL Sport Foundation ahead of the application window opening for the GSF Awards 2025 programme on 20 December – where £1.4m in bursaries and free gym memberships will be made available to communities up and down the nation – including more than twenty London boroughs – in what is the largest independent athlete support programme of its kind in the UK.
GLL operates leisure facilities throughout England and Wales under the ‘Better’ brand. The Foundation (GSF) was launched 17 years ago by leisure operator and charitable social enterprise GLL, with the aim of supporting talented young athletes with funding and practical help.
The programme continues to widen and deepen the opportunities that come through sport across all communities.
In 2024, GSF supported 900 athletes right across Greater London with a cumulative value of £551,000. Boroughs covered include Barnet, Camden, Croydon, Hackney, Hillingdon, Lewisham and Wembley.
50% of 256 people surveyed in the London area admitted that the success of UK athletes, teams and sportspeople is very important to generating a sense of national pride.
The research found this was heavily influenced by the success of heroes such as Lewisham’s Alex Yee and Daryll Neita from Greenwich who can act as inspirational role models for young people.
Powerlifter Siobhan Taylor was supported by the Foundation in Merton in 2024. She comments,
“Last year, I was fortunate to become a GSF funded athlete at Merton Weightlifting Club. This support has been fundamental in allowing me to access the support, knowledge and experience needed to progress in powerlifting whilst working full time as an ITU nurse. This support has made the improbable possible and resulted in British, European and World champion titles in addition to both British and Commonwealth records. Words alone cannot truly express my gratitude. #LiftUpAndLiftHeavyAlways.”
Duathlete, triathlete and 3x world champion Karen Murphy was supported by the GSF in Barnet in 2024. She comments,
“The GSF sponsorship has been invaluable to me as an age group international triathlete. I have access to all the ‘Better’ fitness facilities which means I can access both pool and open water swim environments and a full state of the art gym. I can even train on holiday! I am also provided with wellbeing support and expertise via online workshops and ‘Switch the Play’ newsletter which helps me improve my understanding of issues that affect my performance – such as competitive stress, resilience, mental health and sleep.”
“I really recommend that other athletes apply for the GSF awards. You can just focus on your performance preparation knowing that you have access to the best facilities. It has made such a difference knowing the GSF has got my back on my journey to achieve my dream of becoming a World Champion. Thank you GSF. I am very grateful!”
GSF Awards include free access to Better Gyms and Leisure Centres across the UK.
For more information and an application form, go to https://www.gllsportfoundation.org/
GSF Awards Application window opens 20 December 2024 and closes on 20 February 2025.
