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 Hampshire County Council-funded bursaries for coaches, volunteers and officials. Due to the source of the funding, the bursaries on this page are only available to people who live in Hampshire (excludes Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton). This funding does not support Tennis applicants. Other sources of funding are listed on our Finding Funding page.

The bursary reviewing panel will meet quarterly in 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

Coaching bursaries

Coaching bursaries aim to increase the number of qualified coaches, officials and volunteers in Hampshire. They help those living in the county to progress in their sporting qualifications. You can apply for coaching courses from Level 2 coaching awards upwards 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 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 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
  • Non-Hampshire residents. This includes those based in the unitary authorities of Southampton, Portsmouth or the Isle of Wight
  • 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?

 

How many times can an NGB, Local Authority or club apply?

NGBs, Local Authorities and clubs can apply as many times as they wish, providing it is for a different applicant (coach/official/volunteer) each time.

The maximum numbers of coaches, volunteers or officials in a club application are:

  • 5 x Level 2 coaching awards
  • 2 x Level 3 or above coaching awards

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.

The award must be an NGB or minimum standard award of at least Level 2 or above (Level1 or above for Project 500).

 

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
  • Include any travel and/or accommodation costs in the application. Mileage is calculated at 20 pence per mile. This will not be funded but it is used to assist the panel with the application decision.

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; 18th June, 17th September, 10th December, 18th 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.

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 Helen 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 Helen.

Get in touch

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