23 athletes have been chosen to receive a share of £103,500 and get support to reach the top of their game.

This is part of Jersey Sport's 'Performance Sport Programme', a pilot funded by the government that seeks to equip those with 'podium potential' with the skills to get there. 

44 applications were received and assessed in 2024 by a panel of local sporting figures, with 23 of the island's top talent chosen for the scheme. 

The up-and-coming athletes come from 11 different sports: from para discuss and snooker to rowing and artistic roller skating.

Support will take a holistic, whole-body approach and will include classes on:

• Strength and conditioning,
• Medical support,
• Anti-doping education,
• Nutrition advice,
• Injury prevention and rehabilitation,
• Lifestyle coaching and mentoring,
• Media training,
• Psychology services and mental health support,
• And, other relevant upskilling and training.

The Performance Sport Programme's chosen athletes

Para-discus thrower Rachel Leck, who is receiving just over £4,000 from the scheme, says it could be a real game-changer both for her and Jersey sports stars: 

"Everyone's always a bit afraid to talk about money but essentially, you do need it to get there. It's not just travel costs, its flights - which is a big one.

"When I'm competing in the UK, its always 'oh where have you come from?' and I have to say I've had to fly the night before, and (then) there's hotel costs. It all really quickly adds up for Jersey athletes.

"It can be a bit of a barrier, but hopefully with all this funding we can take one barrier away and they'll be more chances for all of us."

Rachel Leck

Another round of funding will be available for prospective athletes this year, with £100,000+ again up for grabs. 

Constable Andy Jehan, who has ministerial responsibility for sport, said:

“If we are to achieve our aim of seeing more islanders reach the top of their chosen sport, we need to invest in our athletes and reduce the barriers they currently face.

“This pilot programme gives us an opportunity to see what works, and how we can continue to improve Jersey’s reputation as a successful breeding ground for sporting talent.

“I must thank Jersey Sport and the volunteer working party for devising the criteria and implementing the programme. I look forward to hearing how the selected athletes progress over the coming year and wish them well.”