Funding for coaches, volunteers and officials

Coaches, volunteers and officials do an incredible job in supporting people to be active. So we support them to be the best they can be.

We provide bursaries for coaches, volunteers and officials. This funding does not support Tennis applicants (please redirect your enquiry to Hampshire LTA).

Other sources of funding are listed on our Finding Funding page.

The bursary reviewing panel will meet quarterly at the end of the following months: June, September, December and March.

Project 500 bursaries for women

Project 500 aims to get more women to become and remain coaches. These bursaries support women to gain their first qualifications and begin coaching. But they can also be used to gain higher level qualifications in a chosen sport.

These bursaries are part of our overall funding for coaches (see below). The responses to the frequently asked questions below apply to both funding pots. Project 500 applicants can also apply for Level 1 qualifications if they are:

interested in coaching one of Sport England’s recognised sports
committed to volunteering at a Hampshire club, or at coaching sessions linked to Energise Me’s objectives

Coach, volunteers and officials bursaries

Bursaries aim to increase the number of qualified coaches, officials and volunteers in Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the IOW. They help those living in the county to progress in their sporting qualifications. You can apply for Level 2 awards in Sport England-funded sports. Find out more and apply below.

Please note applications for alternative qualifications that enable you to support people being active will also be considered. These will be assessed on a case by case basis. We actively encourage courses that support inactive communities within Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the IOW to become more active through:

Creating positive early experiences
Opportunities that meet the needs of our local community
Places and travel routes where participants feel safe and are encouraged to be active
Supporting those that might be new to sport or physical activity
Supporting our bold leaders to help create healthier and happier communities

Frequently asked bursary questions

Who can apply?

Voluntary coaches, officials or volunteers
Part-time paid coaches or officials
For Project 500, women who are interested in coaching one of the sports recognised by Sport England
Sport National Governing Bodies (NGB)
Local authorities
Members of the community who are supporting others to be active

All applicants must live in the Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council or IOW Council area. Find your local council on the Gov.uk website to ensure you’re eligible for this funding.

Who cannot apply?

Full-time paid coaches or officials
Those wishing to do a Level 1 qualification, unless applying for a Project 500 bursary
Any applicants from Tennis are unable to apply for this bursary currently as similar funding opportunities from the LTA currently exist.

What can I apply for?

Level 2 awards in Sport England-funded sports
For Project 500 only – Coaching courses from Level 1 coaching awards upwards in Sport England-funded sports
One award per financial year (April to March)
We cannot support Level 3 and above qualifications

How many times can I apply?

You can apply for a maximum of 3 coaches, volunteers or officials in a club application per year.

How much can I apply for?

Awards are made to off-set the cost of the course and the examination.

The bursary will pay up to 75% of the course cost. The maximum is £500 per applicant. This is at the discretion of the panel.

What do I need to do to apply?

Apply using the form at the bottom of this page
Select the type of application you are making: individual, club or Project 500
Apply before the start date of the qualification/course. Retrospective applications will not be considered.
Complete the supporting statement
Get support from an NGB or equivalent, which we can help you identify

What if I am under 18 years old?

If you are under 18 years old then you will need to get an adult or guardian to complete the application on your behalf.

What happens next?

Your application will be acknowledged by email.
We’ll raise any queries before submitting your application to the panel.
Deadlines for application submissions are; 15th June, September, December, and March.
Each application is considered on its own merit and the result is at the bursary panel’s discretion.
You will be notified of the decision by email.

How soon do I need to complete my qualification?

The qualification/programme usually needs to be completed in the next 12 months, which commences on the day you are notified of your successful bursary application. There is some flexibility in this if you inform us.

When and how will I receive the money?

Funds are paid to the applicant after they have successfully completed the qualification/programme and can provide the award certificate or equivalent to demonstrate this.
You will need to complete a few questions explaining how your role as a coach, official or volunteer has been enhanced by completing the qualification/programme.
Funds are paid by BACS transfer.

Download guidance documents

Project 500 bursary guidance (PDF)

Begin your application

Ready to begin? Hop over to the bursaries application form.

If you have any accessibility needs which means you require a different method of application, please contact Fraser so that you can work together to find a process that is suitable for you.

Alternatively, if you have a question that is not answered above then please get in touch with Fraser.