There are a variety of grants/support schemes that can be utilised by riders:
SportsAid
SportsAid is a charity that financially supports young talented sports people to help them to achieve sporting success. Within the sport of equestrian, SportsAid has supported young able bodied and disabled riders when they are on the first rungs of the sporting ladder to Olympic and Paralympic success for approaching 30 years.
In 2008/9 SportsAid supported over 30 riders through both the SportsAid and the TASS schemes (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme) to the value of about £20k. The grants have been used to benefit the riders in a variety of ways including rider and horse equipment, competition entry fees and training.
Grants usually vary between £500 and £1000 and can be gained on either a National or Regional basis. This financial contribution is gratefully received because participating in equestrian sport is very costly, but it should not overshadow the huge personal, psychological and media advantages of being recognised by both their NGB's and SportsAid as a talented young individual.
To view the full SportsAid Framework for the British Equestrian Federation see here
Criteria set by SportsAid:
SportsAid require the able bodied athletes to fit into the following criteria:
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Performance: Member of the GB/England team or squad member
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Location: Live and train in England
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Age: between 12 and 18 years old
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Income: must not be in receipt of any other funding such as a TASS or Lottery Award
All applications must come through the NGB.
Criteria set by NGB or lead body
- Aged between 12 to 18 years old (up to 25 for disabled dressage)
- Not in receipt of any other training grant / scholarship
- Live and Train in England
- Must not earn over £8,000
- Individual circumstances will be taken into consideration
- Minimum competitive criteria as follows:
The following criteria will be used to identify equestrian athletes nominated for a SportsAid Award:
Dressage
Pony Training Squad (FEI Level) - achieving 68% at Medium or Pony FEI. Junior Training Squad (FEI Level) - achieving 68% at Adv Medium or above
Eventing
Long Listed Pony/Junior Rider European Championship Team. Registered to compete in the JRN system
Show Jumping
Long Listed Pony/Junior Rider European Championship Squad, Home Pony International Team (148cm). Children on Horses Team
Para Equestrian Dressage
Consistently Achieving a minimum of:60% at BD National Level Competitions Or competing at RDA Championship level @ 62%
Identification Process
Information about the SportsAid awards will be available on the BEF and discipline web sites:
www.bef.co.uk
www.britisheventing.co.uk
www.britishdressage.co.uk
www.bsja.co.uk
PLEASE NOTE : Each discipline will approach relevant key personal such as team coaches, Chef d'Equipes and selectors to nominate individuals who they feel would be suitable for the award. These riders will in turn be sent a letter and nomination form inviting them to apply.
Action and timescales for 2009/10
Key dates are as follows although these may be subject to confirmation / alteration.
5th November: Applications open.
20th November: Closing date for nomination forms to be returned to the BEF
BEF checks information on nomination forms and creates shortlist based on results and individual circumstances.
30th November: All nominations sent to SportsAid
SportsAid will let BEF know the names of the riders that have been successful at receiving National Level awards by 31st December 2009.
For more information please contact: Sarah Armstrong, World Class Programme Manager. 02476 698874 / 01480 860448 / 07881 950543. Email: sarah.armstrong@bef.co.uk
Find out more at www.sportsaid.org.uk
Lloyds TSB Local Heroes
Each year until 2012, with the help of SportsAid, Lloyds TSB will be helping to keep the dream alive for 250 young and emerging sportspeople. For more information about this scheme, visit the website here
TASS Scholarships
The overall aim of the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) is to assist Great Britain's most talented young athletes who wish to optimise the effectiveness of their sports and academic programmes. It enables them to take advantage of a scheme that will propel them towards Olympic medals, whilst ensuring that they can fulfil their academic potential alongside their sporting ambitions. This system is driven through partnership working between Higher Education Institutions, Further Education Colleges National Governing Bodies of Sport and other sports organisations.
The aim for British Equestrian
The TASS programme aims to provide a seamless transition for riders filling the gaps in current provision between the World Class Programmes as well as providing a stepping stone for 'non-funded' riders into the World Class Start, Potential and Performance Programmes, while encouraging riders to pursue an academic career. Since 2008, TASS has also included the non-Olympic disciplines of British Horse Driving Trials and British Vaulting.
The scheme also provides effective links with regional and national development programmes such the Pony, Junior and Young Rider squads, and forms an integral component of the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model and the BEF One Stop Plans.
Applications for 2009 TASS Scholarships are now open read more about the funding here
There is one type of TASS award and successful candidates aged between 15-25 years (35 years for Para-Equestrian Dressage) will be receive funding/services to the sum of £3,500.
The closing date for applications is 10th September 2009, application forms and FAQ's can be downloaded above.
For more information please contact: Sarah Armstrong, World Class Programme Manager. Tel: 07881 950543/ 02476 698874/01480 860448. Email: sarah.armstrong@bef.co.uk
