Football and athletics benefit from bursaries

Tuesday 22 November 2022

Guernsey's football and athletics teams are set to benefit from a bursary scheme funded by Utmost International Guernsey.

In line with the firm's wider support of the island's sporting community, Utmost International Guernsey has awarded bursaries locally since 2018.

The bursaries are aimed at ensuring each of Guernsey’s 18 sports teams will receive funding twice by the time the island hosts next year's NatWest International Island Games.

Utmost said the bursaries are "fundamental in supporting the teams who use the funding for a variety of reasons, such as purchasing new kit and equipment or paying for travel".

The Guernsey Football Club will use its bursary money to buy new kit and equipment while the Guernsey Athletics Club will put theirs towards new equipment, including timing devices, an eccentric resistance device, a jump and plyometric testing device and throwing and jumping training equipment.

Leon Steyn, Chief Executive Officer for Utmost International Guernsey, said: “Utmost is proud to support Guernsey’s sporting community. We know how crucial this funding is in equipping the island’s teams and we hope that the bursaries champion both sports on their journey to success.

"Sport is a crucial part of island life here in Guernsey so we are pleased to provide this essential funding. Each team is committed to sporting excellence and we recognise how much hard work and discipline is required to achieve that elite level of performance. 

"It is fantastic to hear how our bursaries help these teams and the positive impact they have on the wider sports community each year.” 

Brian Allen, Chairman of the Guernsey Island Games Association, said: “These bursaries enable our island sports community to thrive. This funding is invaluable, helping to inspire future generations of athletes. It is rewarding to see the positive impact this has on sports enthusiasts competing at every level.”