Ann Jarvis Hardship Fund launched in a bid to improve Talent Pathway inclusivity

The Ann Jarvis Hardship Fund is designed to support athletes and their families who face financial hardship as a direct result of participating in talent programmes. 

Training, competition and travel costs can present significant financial challenges – and this fund aims to ensure that no athlete is excluded from the pathway due to financial constraints. 

It will provide discretionary support for English talent pathway athletes of all ages to help cover essential costs and, in doing so, promote inclusivity and equal opportunities. 

The news was announced on Volleyball England Heritage Podcast earlier this evening, hosted by Luke Wiltshire and which featured Ann, who represented England 176 times between 1973 and 1987. 

“It is an honour to have this fund named after me, and I was taken by surprise to be asked,” Ann told the Podcast (listen in full here). 

“It’s a very important thing to give an equal chance to the young talent coming through because that is the way forward. 

“To have a bigger pool of talent, we need to make it easier for young people to engage with the sport and follow through with it. They shouldn’t be in a position where they want to and can’t afford to. 

“We have got good coaches coming through – more than there ever used to be – which can make a difference, providing we can get people to the training camps who should be there, so they can train with other good players. 

“There needs to be a way to close the gap on the other nations as they continue to progress –  and if this contributes to that then it is going to be more than worthwhile.” 

Volleyball England’s Chief Executive Officer, Charlie Ford, added: “We’re delighted that someone of Ann’s considerable standing in volleyball has added her support to this fund, which we’re extremely passionate about. 

“No-one should be excluded from playing volleyball because of their financial background, something I know first-hand from my own experiences growing up as a talented basketball player who couldn’t afford to attend regional or national camps.  

“That experience showed me how vital financial support is in ensuring that talented young athletes get the opportunities they deserve to realise their potential. 

 “The establishment of this fund is something we’ve been working on for some time, and by harnessing and redirecting our commercial relationships, we’re now in a position to launch it. 

“This fund isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a vital first step. Our hope is to continue building and growing it over time so that every aspiring player, regardless of background, has a fair chance to represent England and achieve their dreams.” 

Eligibility Criteria 

To be considered for financial support, applicants must meet the following criteria: 

• Participation in the Talent Pathway – The applicant must be a current or identified athlete within Volleyball England’s Talent Pathway. 

• Demonstrated Financial Need – Applicants must provide evidence of financial hardship that affects their ability to fully participate in the pathway. This may include: 

• Receipt of means-tested benefits (e.g., Universal Credit, Income Support). 

• Gross household income less than £55,000 (regional variations will be taken into consideration).  

• Significant financial burdens, such as high travel costs or additional dependents. Any other urgent and demonstratable circumstances at the discretion of the Selection Panel. 

• Commitment to the Programme – Athletes must demonstrate dedication to their development, including regular attendance at training sessions and competitions. 

• Previous Support Received – Priority may be given to applicants who have not previously received hardship funding to ensure fair distribution of resources. 

Application Time Windows 

To align applications with the athlete development cycle, the hardship fund will operate in two windows each year: 

• Volleyball Athletes: Applications will open in December when athletes typically begin a new cycle and selections into the pathway are confirmed. At this stage, we will also know who has been nominated for Backing the Best. 

• Beach Athletes: Applications will open in April/May, coinciding with the start of the beach season. 

The first application window will run from 1st December to 14th December 2025. 

Application Process 

Applicants must complete the hardship fund application form, outlining their financial situation and detailing the specific costs they need support with. Please note that this process and fund is dealt with under the strictest of confidence and information will not be shared with any internal or external body. 

For full details on how to apply and what to consider when doing so, please click here to view the guidance document. 

Note that athletes who are already in receipt of talent funding (DiSE, SportsAid, Backing the Best, UK Sport) are still eligible to apply but prioritisation will be given to those that currently don’t receive any support. 

Funding decisions are final, but unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent application rounds if their circumstances change. 

Other Areas of Support 

Please visit the Volleyball England Foundation website for the latest information and guidance in relation to alternative funding opportunities.