Bursary to help tackle sports inequality

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council launches bursary to help tackle sports inequality

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) is proud to launch its Access to Activity bursary, designed to help tackle the financial challenges that may prevent 12–15-year-olds in the borough from taking part in sport.

The bursary offers up to £200 to help fund, or part fund, sports club membership costs, subscriptions and match fees. It is open to young people who receive free school meals and/or whose parents or guardians receive Universal Credit payments, and those who are living or have previously lived in care.

The bursary will open to applications on Monday 30 March 2026 and will close on 31 December 2026, or when the funding has been fully allocated.

The bursary will see a variety of local sports clubs participate throughout the year, and more clubs are welcome to apply to take part.

The bursary supports the aims of EEBC’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2025-28) which focuses on increasing physical activity, improving wellbeing and reducing health inequalities in Epsom and Ewell.

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, Chair of the Community & Wellbeing Committee, commented: “We know that for many families, the cost of taking part in sport can be a real obstacle. By helping to ease financial pressures, the Access to Activity bursary can help ensure 12–15-year-olds can take part in a sport they enjoy, feel included and thrive! We encourage parents, guardians and young people to explore what’s available and apply.

“Through our Health and Wellbeing Strategy, we remain committed to supporting the physical and emotional wellbeing of our children and young people. The bursary now offers eligible older children the same opportunity that younger children received through our first Young Legends programme, launched last year to help 9–11-year-olds build confidence, learn new skills and form social connections. Having seen the positive impact on participants, we’re excited that Young Legends will return this summer.

“We would like to thank our partners for their invaluable support with the Access to Activity bursary and the many community activities delivered throughout the year. Their help is essential in bringing our strategy to life.”

Application process

This is a one-off grant, and priority will be given to eligible residents who have not received an EEBC grant aimed at facilitating access to physical activity in the past five years.

If the 12–15-year-old is eligible, applicants will need to follow this process:

1. 1. 1. 1. arrange a taster session directly with participating sports club – the list of participating clubs can be found on the council’s website and it will be updated on an ongoing basis
         2. following the taster, if the 12–15-year-old wants to continue and enrol with the club, the council’s application form will need to be completed
         3. EEBC will then be in touch to confirm next steps.

Note: If the application is successful, the applicant will be asked to contact the sports club directly to enrol in their chosen activity.

All information about the Access to Activity bursary — including eligibility, the application form and participating sports clubs (updated as the bursary progresses) — can be found here: https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/access-to-activity 

For any questions, email the Community Development team at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council: [email protected]