The substantial financial commitment will enhance opportunities for young athletes, ensuring that promising talent from all backgrounds can explore and maximise their athletic potential. The funding, which covers the 2025 to 2029 cycle, is designed to support athletes at all levels, from grassroots to high-performance pathways. By doing so, it will help bridge the gap for those starting out in sport as well as those progressing through formal talent development programmes.

Sport England will channel this funding through its partnerships with over 70 sports organisations. A key component of this initiative includes a £1.5 million (€1,7 million 0r $1.9 millon) boost to the Backing the Best programme, managed by SportsAid. This programme has previously supported prominent athletes such as Alex Yee and Tom Daley, who are now Olympic medalists, and emerging stars like Keely Hodgkinson and Amber Anning, who have also benefited from the programme.

Tim Hollingsworth, Chief Executive of Sport England, expressed his enthusiasm about the potential impact of this funding. “Affluence and activity levels are often closely linked; the wealthier you are, the more likely you are to be active. This trend starts at a grassroots level and extends up to high-performance sport,” he said. “We believe all talented young athletes should have the opportunity to reach the Olympics or Paralympics, irrespective of their background or financial situation.”

Hollingsworth emphasised that talent pathways do more than produce elite athletes, they also help young people develop vital life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving. “These skills benefit all young people, even those who do not make it to the podium,” he added.

The cost of developing athletic talent can be prohibitive, with research indicating that young athletes typically spend over £6,600 (€7,800 or $8500) a year on training and competition expenses. In response to this, the funding aims to alleviate financial barriers, ensuring that more young people can participate in and benefit from sport.

Sports Minister Steph Peacock welcomed the funding, stating, “This £120 million from Sport England will extend the talent pathway supporting future Olympic and Paralympic success stories from the grassroots up. Dedicated funding allows our athletes to focus on their training and achieve outstanding results, as seen in Paris.”

Peacock highlighted the government’s commitment to improving access and creating a level playing field for emerging talent. “Alongside Sport England, the Government is working to ensure that all young athletes, regardless of their background, have the best chance of success.”

The rising costs associated with athletic development are starkly illustrated by the fact that this year’s Backing the Best cohort is expected to each spend around £9,700 (€11,500 or $12,500) annually. This increase, driven by inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, underscores the importance of the funding boost.

Tim Lawler, Chief Executive of SportsAid, recognised the significance of the investment. “An inclusive and accessible sporting pathway offering everyone the support they need is crucial. The funding commitment from Sport England will directly address existing inequities and support young athletes during their formative years,” he said.

In addition to enhancing financial support, Sport England is partnering with organisations like Badu Sports in East London, which received £485,000 (€575 or $625)) to create more inclusive opportunities for young people. Nana Badu, Founder and CEO of Badu Sports, highlighted the importance of this investment. “Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. This funding will help us create environments that improve diversity and turn potential into talent, allowing underserved groups to thrive.”