The costs involved with young athletes can sometimes be overwhelming, from coaching fees, equipment and clothing (especially when they keep growing out of everything every 6 months!), and competition fees including travel and accommodation costs. There are however, some great opportunities that arise from time to time which may provide some support. Here are 4 athlete sponsorship, ambassador programs and grants that are currently open for applications:
Foher Multisport Ambassador Program 2016
Categories of selection
Multisport and Triathlon
Key selection criteria
The aim of the Program is to shine a light on our Ambassadors, and to give them a platform through which they can encourage and inspire girls and women to develop healthy habits through an active lifestyle of their own.
Ambassador benefits
• Introduction as one of our 2016 (1Jan16-31Dec16) Ambassador’s through FOHER FB, IG and FOHER Hub Blog and other social media networks;
• Special discounted Ambassador priced Kit of your own personal choice that will be customised with the Official 2016 FOHER Ambassador Badge.
• Access to discounted (and sometimes free) products with FOHER partnership brands.
• Opportunity to test new FOHER products and provide feedback on latest edition kit;
• Depending on location an Ambassador could be invited to be the face of new product and/or limited and special edition kit launches with an exclusive photo shoot (inc. a selection of professional images to use at their discretion across personal social media channels – must tag @FOHERmultisport and use #foher);
• Personal support for training and racing where FOHER is present and/or exhibiting at events;
• Support from FOHER to build your personal brand as an athlete through FOHER social media platforms
• Opportunity to build your professional network and have your personal/professional articles published on the FOHER Hub Blog with a dedicated Ambassador section.
• Freedom to grow and be yourself as our FOHER ambassador, embrace the journey and enjoy the adventure it will bring alongside your fellow Fohettes;
• The ability to inspire more women into a healthy, active lifestyle through the wonderful community of triathlon.
Application process
Online entry
Applications close
Applications opened 1 October 2015 – no closing date disclosed.
For more information, refer the Foher Multisport website
Source: Foher Multisport, Betty Designs
Betty Designs Ambassador Program 2016
Categories of selection
Endurance or multisport events
Key selection criteria
“Are you a badass?”
Ambassador benefits
• Race and train in the exclusive Team Kit (Bettys get 40% off) available only to Team Betty athletes (new design coming!)
• Discounts in the online store all year round
• Opportunity to share the insider scoop in your community
• Optional referral program benefits
• Membership to our private Team Betty Facebook community page
• Amazing product discounts from our sponsors + industry partners
• Opportunity to see what’s coming soon in the Betty Store and ability to give product feedback
• Free entry into the Hincapie Gran Fondo
• Free limited edition (design) tri kit when you qualify for any triathlon world championship event (Olympic, 70.3, Ironman)
Application process
Online entry
Applications close
18 October 2015
For more information, refer the Betty Designs website.
“Aim for the Stars” Scholarship – Layne Beachley Foundation
Categories of selection
• Sport
• Academia and Education
• Arts, Media and Entertainment
• Business and Leadership
• Culture and Community
• Environment and Sustainability
• Science and Technology
Key selection criteria
• Females, 12 years of age and above across Australia
• Females who have initiative and passion and are committed to achieving a dream in their field of choice.
Scholarship benefits
• Scholarships will be awarded, at the discretion of the Foundation, to applicants who best demonstrate their aspirations to succeed in their chosen pursuit and how financial and moral support would further their education or personal development and the community.
• Scholarship award – The Foundation will award a minimum of $90,000 worth of scholarships in this given year. Successful applicants will receive a financial grant in accordance with the following amounts and conditions:
• $4,000 – ‘Individual’ Scholarship, 1 person 12 years and above as of the 31/1/2016.
• $6,000 – ‘Group’ Scholarship, 2 or more people 12 years and above as of the 31/1/2016.
Application process
Online
Applications close
13 November 2015
• For more information, refer the Aim for the Stars – Layne Beachley Foundation webpage. 
Source: Layne Beachley Foundation
Australian Sports Commission – Local Sporting Champions Grant
Categories of selection
The Local Sporting Champions program is designed to support young people participating in state, national and international level sporting championships as either an athlete, coach or official.
Key selection criteria
• Must be an Australian citizen turning 12 to 18 years of age in the same calendar year as the nominated sporting championship.
• Grants can contribute towards the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment for your participation at the nominated championships.
• Refer website for other key criteria and exclusions.
Grant value
Grants of $500 are available for successful individual applicants.
Application process
Online
Applications close
31 October 2015 – applicants will be advised Dec 2015-Jan 2016.
For more information, refer the Local Sporting Champions webpage.
