Young sportspeople from across the Isle of Wight are being invited to apply for the Isle of Wight Council’s Talented Athlete Scheme for 2027.
The scheme, supported by Wightlink and a range of Island businesses, helps athletes competing at county level and above by providing practical support to aid their sporting development.
Successful applicants can benefit from discounted ferry travel, free use of 1Leisure facilities and reduced rates on specialist services including physiotherapy, sports therapy, nutritional advice and sportswear.
More than 80 athletes aged between 9 and 87 were supported through the scheme in 2026, representing a wide variety of sports including gymnastics, squash, sailing, swimming and underwater hockey.
The initiative is delivered with the backing of local partners including Wightlink, Love Running, Cowes Chiropractic Clinic, RMA Sports Injury Clinic, Amanda Buggy Therapy & Nutrition and Sports Performance Centre IOW.
Katy Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Wightlink, said:
“We’re delighted to continue our support for this well-established Isle of Wight Council initiative, which makes a real difference to sportspeople across the Island.
“Travelling to the mainland for training, events and competitions is an important part of competing at a higher level, and we’re proud to help Island athletes access those opportunities.
Article continues below this advertisement “We wish everyone applying this year the very best of luck and hope the scheme helps them continue to develop and achieve their sporting ambitions.”
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, chair of the council’s economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure committee, said:
“The Talented Athlete Scheme continues to play an important role in supporting Isle of Wight competitors at all stages of their sporting journey.
“Whether they are taking their first steps in regional competition or competing at the highest levels of their sport, the scheme helps remove some of the barriers associated with training and competition.
“We are grateful to Wightlink and all of our partner organisations for their continued support, which helps Island athletes achieve their ambitions.”
Applications for the 2027 scheme are now open.
To be eligible, applicants must live on the Isle of Wight, compete in a recognised sport and meet the performance criteria set by their sport’s national governing body.
More information about the scheme, including how to apply, can be found at https://www.iow.gov.uk/article/2243/Sport-Development-Unit.
