Croydon Sports Fund Hits Record £100k Investment for Local Athletes

Sarah Jenkins 2026-06-09 11:04 2 min read

Close up of an athlete's legs and running shoes on a blue track.

A record-breaking 140 athletes from across the borough have been selected to receive support from the Croydon GLL Sport Foundation this year. The funding, which totals more than £100,000, aims to remove financial barriers for local sportspeople, covering essential costs such as coaching, equipment, travel, and competition fees.

Supporting the Next Generation of Talent

The programme, which held its recent awards evening at Ashburton Hall, provides both financial grants and in-kind support. Recipients gain free access to Better leisure centres, which manage key facilities across the borough including swimming pools, gyms, and athletics tracks.

Established in 2008, the GLL Sport Foundation has grown into the largest independent athlete support programme in the UK. By providing a pathway for both emerging and established talent, the foundation ensures that athletes can balance their training regimes with work and education.

Athlete Perspectives on Training Access

For many recipients, the support is a vital component of their development. Ryan Raghoo, a 29-year-old wheelchair rugby player from New Addington, noted that the access to local facilities is a game-changer for his training schedule. The ability to use nearby centres allows him to practice agility and speed drills multiple times a week without the added strain of travel costs.

Croydon Sports Fund Hits Record £100k Investment for Local Athletes

Similarly, champion diver Desharne Bent-Ashmeil, 22, highlighted the practical benefits of the partnership. Currently balancing a university degree in the USA with her athletic career, she relies on these resources to maintain her strength and flexibility when competing in the UK.

Investing in Borough Infrastructure

Croydon’s sporting landscape includes four major leisure centres operated by the Better brand, alongside over 30 tennis courts and dedicated community spaces. According to David Hughes, GLL’s Partnership Manager for Croydon, the record investment this year reflects a commitment to building a sustainable legacy through sport.

Cabinet Member for Parks and Culture, Councillor Robert Ward, attended the ceremony to acknowledge the contribution of families, coaches, and community workers who support these athletes. The funding ensures that talent from all backgrounds has the opportunity to compete at regional, national, and international levels.

Source: Croydon Council

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Source check Verified Local Report

The details were verified against the official Croydon Council announcement regarding the 2026 GLL Sport Foundation awards.

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