GLL now supports a record number of Waltham Forest athletes through the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF). The cohort has grown year on year, with 68 athletes ranging from age 8 through to competitors in their 50s that are currently receiving funding. GLL is the charitable social enterprise behind the Better brand and the borough’s leisure provider. 

GSF was launched 17 years ago with the aim of supporting talented young athletes through financial assistance and practical help. In Waltham Forest, 96% of supported athletes receive no other financial backing. Without this scheme, many would be self-funding their training and competitions or relying on family support via the bank of Mum and Dad. 

As the UK’s largest independent athlete award programme, GSF provides £45,000 of support to Waltham Forest athletes. Recipients benefit from a range of in-kind support, including free UK-wide Better memberships, access to physiotherapy services, and financial bursaries, helping to foster talent across the country. 
The programme continues to widen and deepen opportunities in sport across all communities. The Community Sport Manager for Waltham Forest explains: 
“GSF continues to go from strength to strength in Waltham Forest, helping young people begin their sporting journeys and enabling more experienced athletes to sustain them. This year, there were almost 100 applications for awards and, as a result, we have once again increased the number of supported athletes while also backing a more diverse range of sports.” 

According to GSF research, a lack of funding to compete in their chosen sport remains the biggest barrier to young people achieving their sporting ambitions. There is widespread agreement that more should be done to support Britain’s talented young athletes to achieve sporting success, along with the opportunities and national pride that come with it. 

GLL would like to thank all the schools, sports clubs and community organisations that have contributed to the sporting journeys of Waltham Forest athletes. 
We look forward to celebrating with our athletes (listed in the attached documents) at the upcoming Awards Night at Waltham Forest Town Hall. 
For more information on the programme, visit: 
www.gllsportfoundation.co.uk