Some of Richmond's most accomplished athletes visited Pools on the Park leisure centre last week to celebrate the launch of GLL's Sport Foundation in the borough.

The Foundation (GSF) – now in its eighteenth year - is the UK's largest independent athlete support programme.

It offers financial bursaries to help with travel costs and equipment alongside free access to leisure facilities such as gyms, classes and swimming pools.

The scheme also provides physiotherapy and mental health support.

The scheme is run by charitable social enterprise GLL which operates leisure facilities all over the UK under the 'Better' brand in partnership with local councils.

Past recipients of GSF support include champions Tom Daley, Ellie Simmonds, Anthony Joshua and Daryll Neita. In 2024, GSF athletes amassed 77 medals at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.

Some of Richmond's talented athletes (Image supplied)

This is the first year that the Foundation is operating in Richmond and the borough's sporting superstars are being urged to come forward and apply for assistance.

The window for applications closes on 20 February with a whopping £2 million of support across the UK up for grabs – so there is no time to waste.

Assistant editor, Ruth Gledhill, 66, lives in Richmond and is an endurance athlete who competes in triathlons and 'Iron Man' challenges. She is passionate about social equality.

She said: "People often think Richmond is a wealthy area but there are also areas of deprivation, just like anywhere else.

"I think the Sport Foundation is a brilliant way to give people of all ages and backgrounds a chance to develop their sporting careers."

Champion swimmer and retired IT manager, Steve Folsom, 72, grew up in the USA but has lived in Strawberry Hill for many years. His speciality is the butterfly stroke.

"I'm definitely applying for GSF support," he said.

"You have to keep your body strong for competitive swimming so to be able to train for free at any 'Better' gym in the country would be an immense help."

Euan Lees, 52, is a civil servant, originally from Scotland. He has lived in the borough for more than a decade and in his spare time, competes in triathlons and ultra marathons.

He said: "If you're already involved in a sport and trying to get better, applying to the GSF is definitely worth it.

"I already do a lot of running, cycling and swimming but having access to 'Better' facilities would give me more flexibility to do 'top-up' swims or strength-training when I need it."

Former gardener and IT consultant Ken Bailey, 65, is not applying for funding himself but as Chair of Teddington Masters swimming club, he is keen to spread the word about GSF support to his fellow members.

He explained: "Most young athletes are supported by their parents, but when you're competing at elite level, travel and accommodation costs build up.

"Cross training - in the gym, for example, is very important for most athletes and the GSF can help with that. If you're just doing the sport itself, you won't get that good."

Councillor Alan Juriansz, Lead Member for Sport at Richmond Council, added: "We are delighted that athletes in the borough can now benefit from this fantastic programme.

"Sport plays a vital role in our community, not only in promoting health and wellbeing but also in inspiring ambition and achievement.

"This aligns perfectly with our Richmond Moves for a Healthier Borough strategy, which aims to make physical activity accessible for everyone.

"The GLL Sport Foundation will help remove barriers for talented athletes and ensure they have the resources they need to succeed."

For further information on how to apply for GSF support in Richmond or any GLL area, click here.