Following the success of the Sir John Hanson Young Talent Scholarship in the Birmingham 2022 cycle, Team England is excited to re-launch the programme, offering five young athletes the opportunity to develop their sporting careers. The £60,000 award made possible by a private donation, will help support them on their journey as they look ahead to the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games and beyond.

The Hanson Scholarship has so far helped five young athletes achieve their sporting dreams, having been designed to support the next generation of English talent as they embark on a challenging journey, assisting them in fulfilling their potential on the international stage.

Distributed over the next three years, each bursary can be utilised in the best way deemed possible by the athlete, however it is anticipated the grant will contribute towards travel to training camps and competition, coaching and training support services, kit and equipment.

Following confirmation of the scholarship, Team England will work closely with the athlete and relevant National Governing Body of sport throughout the duration of the grant agreement to ensure that the individual continues to meet the eligibility criteria.

Previous winners of the 2022 Hanson Scholarship include: Abigail Burton (Rugby 7s), Daniel Dixon (Triathlon), Kieran Rollings (Para Lawn Bowls), Lucy Turmel (Squash) and Tom Jarvis (Table Tennis).

Reflecting on how the scholarship helped him secure a bronze medal this past summer at Birmingham 2022, Para Lawn Bowls athlete, Kieran Rollings commented: “The fund helped get rid of my financial burdens/worry to compete within the sport and has allowed me to focus on performing at the highest level.”

Team England is committed to developing the next generation of sporting talent and the re-launch of the Hanson Scholarship programme is a key part of that commitment.

Frankie Carter-Kelly, Chef de Mission for Trinbago 2023 and Victoria 2026, said:

“We are thrilled to be re-launching the Sir John Hanson Young Talent Scholarship programme. The aim of this scholarship is to provide young athletes with the resources and support they need to reach the international stage, and hopefully perform at their best in future Commonwealth Games."

Applications will close at 23:59 on Tuesday 9th May and the five successful athletes will be announced mid-May. You can find out more or apply by heading to teamengland.org/scholarship