Following the success of its inaugural Grassroots to Greatness programme, fitness franchise – Snap Fitness, which has a clubs across the region and in your area has announced the return of its athlete grant initiative for a second year, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the next generation of sporting talent across the UK and Ireland.
After receiving more than 200 applications in its first year and awarding £20,000 in grants to 12 athletes from a diverse range of sporting backgrounds, the programme returns for 2026/27 with an enhanced package of financial support, mentoring, storytelling opportunities and access to Snap Fitness’ nationwide network of clubs.
The Grassroots to Greatness programme will this year be awarding over £37,000 to athletes that live and train in the communities around Snap Fitness gyms. The money is designed to provide athletes with longer-term support beyond financial investment, helping them build their personal profile, inspire local communities and remove some of the barriers that often prevent talented individuals from reaching their full potential.
Sarah Townend, Marketing and Experience Director of Snap Fitness EMEA, said:
“When we launched Grassroots to Greatness last year, we hoped it would make a genuine difference to athletes who often receive little or no funding despite competing at an incredibly high level. What we didn’t anticipate was just how inspiring the response would be.
The stories we heard, the determination we witnessed and the journeys we’ve followed over the past year have reinforced why this programme matters. That’s why we’re excited to build on the success of year one, giving athletes more opportunities, greater visibility, and the support they need to continue chasing their ambitions.”
The programme remains open to athletes aged 18 and over from every sporting discipline, recognising that elite potential exists across all sports, not just those traditionally associated with high-profile funding.
Successful applicants will receive a package of support that includes financial backing, access to Snap Fitness facilities, content creation opportunities, ambassador experiences, media exposure and ongoing promotion throughout the year as part of the Grassroots to Greatness community.
Throughout the programme, athletes will share their journeys through regular content across Snap Fitness’ digital channels, giving members an authentic insight into the realities of high-performance sport, from training and competition to setbacks, resilience and success.
Townend added: “Grassroots to Greatness is about much more than funding. It’s about creating opportunities, building confidence and giving athletes a platform to tell their stories.
Every one of our athletes inspires our members in a different way. Whether they’re competing internationally or striving towards their first major championship, they demonstrate the resilience, commitment and determination that sits at the heart of everything Snap Fitness stands for.
We’re proud to continue investing in people who embody those values and can’t wait to welcome our next team of athletes.”
The programme forms part of Snap Fitness’ wider commitment to building stronger, healthier communities by supporting participation in sport at every level and creating opportunities for individuals to achieve their goals both inside and outside the gym.
Applications for the 2026/27 Grassroots to Greatness programme are now open.