14 Islanders have been named as Red Funnel’s 2026 Island Ambassadors, alongside 16 Supported Talents and 12 Supported Teams, as part of the cross-Solent operator’s annual ‘Proud to Support’ programme.
The scheme, which received over 140 applications this year, provides cross-Solent travel support to help Isle of Wight individuals and groups perform, compete or train on the mainland. Those selected represent a wide range of disciplines, including sport, performance, animal agility and gaming.
This year’s Island Ambassadors include indie rock band Coach Party, table tennis player Ryan Cates, scooter rider Joe Crockett, rising archery star Summer Chambers, professional darts player Keegan Brown and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete Corey Kent.
Also selected are dog agility competitor Abs Whittington, freestyle dancers Isabel and Jasmine Dominey, gymnast group ‘Fantastic Four’, dancer Jess Burfitt, skateboarder Ollie Webb-Wilson and strongman Ross Cosgrove. Representing the martial arts are taekwondo athlete Joe Ramskill and professional kitesurfer Tom Court.
16 individuals have been named as Supported Talents for 2026. Among them are footballer Kian Symmans, professional MMA fighter Connor Tymon, junior golfer Harry Oatley and Pokémon player Cass Morey, who is ranked 43rd in the world.
Equestrian talent is well represented with eventer Sarah Holmes, dressage riders Esme Colley, Vicky Lacey and Laura Crew, showjumpers Rubi Harper, Kelly Read and Hayley Webster, and showing competitor Pip Smith. Other selected talents include sheepdog trialist Ian Wheeler, Julie and the Wightflight dog sled racing team, and sailing duo Ash Holmes and James Gadsby.
12 Isle of Wight-based organisations make up the Supported Teams for 2026, including Ventnor Rugby Club, Isle of Wight Squash, East Cowes Vics, Newport IOW FC and Isle of Wight Rugby Club.
Panther Kickboxing, the Solent Netball Team, Starlight Academy, Vectis Equestrian Club, Naut Cycling Club and West Wight Swimming Club also join the lineup, as does Ventnor Cricket Club, which benefits from Red Funnel’s support for the first time under the scheme.
Red Funnel will provide travel assistance throughout the year and share updates on the achievements of all Ambassadors, Talents and Teams as they represent both the company and the Isle of Wight across the UK and internationally in 2026.
