The Sir John Hanson Young Talent Scholarship is designed to support young talented athletes striving to compete at the 2026 Victoria Commonwealth Games to achieve their sporting goals.

Following the success of Hanson Scholarship Fund in the Birmingham 2022 cycle, we are excited to be able to relaunch the programme. The £60,000 award, made possible by a private donation, will provide financial support for five young athletes on their journey to the Victoria 2026 Commonweal Games and beyond.

The scholarship has 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.

Ahead of Victoria 2026, the Sir John Hanson Young Talent Scholarship offers young athletes with an opportunity over the next three years to progress through to the Team England selections, boosting their chances of competing in Victoria in 2026.

Applications will close at 23:59 on Monday 17th April and the five successful athletes will be announced mid-May.

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

“We are thrilled to be re-launching the Sir John Hanson 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."

Sir John Hanson was a senior British diplomat, senior executive, historian, and academic. Hanson was the Director-General of the British Council between 1992–1998 where he led a major reform programme for management change throughout the British Council, a British organisation specialising in international cultural and educational opportunities.

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 grant eligibility criteria.

In order to be eligible to apply for the grant, athletes must meet the following criteria:

  • Twenty years old or younger at the time of application deadline
  • Twenty two years old or younger for a para-athletes at the time of application deadline
  • Represented England or Great Britain at Junior/international level in their current sport/a Commonwealth Games sport
  • Part of a current performance pathway and recognised by their National Governing Body
  • Received a supporting statement from their National Governing Body
  • Not in receipt of a UK Sport Athlete Performance Award (APA)