Sport NI - Athlete Investment Programme
Overview
Only those Governing Bodies which have previously agreed minimum performance standards for their sports are eligible to apply.
Governing Bodies may make applications in respect of athletes/teams who the Governing Body considers should benefit from any investment offered through the Athlete Investment Programme. At least one of the athletes must meet the previously agreed Performance Standards for the Programme for the application to be considered. Only one application can be received from each sport or discipline.
Governing bodies will also be required to submit a costed outline training and competition programme in respect of the athletes/teams for whom they are applying.
When assessing applications Sport Northern Ireland will consider the following:
- The number of athletes meeting performance standards within each category;
- The extent to which the sport has performed against previously agreed KPIs (where relevant); or
- The best performances in the sport (if the applicant has not previously received investment).
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Sport Northern Ireland recognised Governing Bodies of Sport are required to submit applications in respect of eligible athletes/squads.
Applications will also be accepted from organisations which Sport Northern Ireland recognises as representing the interests of a number of Sport Northern Ireland recognised Governing Bodies of Sport and Northern Ireland athletes. For example, the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council, Disability Sport NI, and the Paralympic Council of Ireland.
Who is Eligible for Support?
Sport Northern Ireland has set down the following criteria for applicants regarding an athlete’s or squad of athletes’ eligibility for support:
The athlete or squad member must be:
- Born in Northern Ireland
- Born of a parent (or adoptive parent) born in Northern Ireland
- Eligible to compete for Northern Ireland in the targeted competition
Sport Northern Ireland will only consider applications in respect of athletes eligible to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ireland and/or Northern Ireland at Olympic/Commonwealth Games, World or European Championships.
Costs
The Athlete Investment Programme will assist with two types of costs – ‘sports’ and ‘living’.
Sports Costs: The initial application submitted by a governing body in respect of eligible athletes will be for sports costs. These are the costs incurred in delivering or undertaking agreed training and competition programmes and will normally include the following items of expenditure:
- Coaching – specialist coaching expertise
- Personal Training and Preparation Costs – attendance at training camps
- Competitions – attendance at competitions
- Sports Science Support – nutrition, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, etc.
- Sports Medicine Support
- Competition and Training Equipment
These costs are normally incurred by the governing body or may be incurred by athletes directly, and approved by the governing body.
Living Costs: Eligible athletes may also apply directly to Sport Northern Ireland for financial support towards essential living costs. The athlete will need to demonstrate that:
- Their circumstances have changed, or will change significantly, so that they can adequately prepare for major competition
- A financial need exists
Normally it is only those athletes who meet ‘World Class’ or ‘International’ performance standards who are eligible to apply. The athletes must also be named as beneficiaries of a Sports Costs award.
Sport Northern Ireland investment will contribute to the essential personal living costs of an athlete, including accommodation costs (rates, rent/mortgage costs, household expenses, food), travel costs (fuel, road tax, servicing) and pension and Northern Ireland contributions.