Official's Bursary Scheme - London

Written by Aaron Senior | 26 November 2009

Official Sports London – Apply for funding to help you to qualify as a sports official

The London Development Agency and Sport England are continuing their exciting bursary opportunity to assist Londoners aged 16+ to complete sports officiating qualifications, volunteer or work as officials and maybe even officiate at the London 2012 Games.  Gaining an Official Sports London bursary can unlock the door to gaining a new qualification, improve your access to volunteering, work and social opportunities and allow you to take the lead for your sport, basketball.

The Official Sports London bursary can cover up to 80% of the costs required to complete an officiating qualification and 15 hours of voluntary officiating. Successful applicants will be required to cover the remaining proportion of the costs. Official Sports London can provide bursary funding up to a maximum of £350 per applicant.

Eligible costs which an Official Sports London bursary can cover include course costs, membership and license fees, travel expenses and childcare/adult care costs while completing your course, equipment and uniform. Travel expenses and childcare/adult care costs while completing your first 15 hours of voluntary officiating are also eligible for funding. Disability support packages are also available.

How to Apply?

Step 1 – Eligibility Check

You can apply for a bursary from Official Sports London if:

• You are aged over 16
• You live in one of the 33 Boroughs of London
• You want to complete an officiating qualification in one of our 21 listed sports or
• You have already completed an eligible course from one of our 21 listed sports, and would like to apply for funding retrospectively. Please call 020 7749 9173 to confirm you are eligible for retrospective funding. You will need to be able to provide confirmation that you have completed and paid for your course
• You agree to officiate voluntarily for at least 15 hours after you qualify
• You have (or are prepared to make) links with a sports club, league of other sporting organisation where you will officiate after you qualify*
• You are prepared to make a financial contribution to the costs associated with completing your officiating course and 15 hours of officiating**
• You can provide us with the details of someone from a sports team, club or other sporting organisation who will provide us with a reference for you in support of your application***

*If you do not have links with any sports clubs or organisations where you could officiate after your qualification, the Official Sports London Team or your National Governing Body may be able to help.

** The Official Sports London bursary can provide funding for up to 80% of the costs associated with completing your qualification (maximum bursary £350). You must be prepared to pay for the remaining 20%.

*** If you are unable to think of someone from a sports team, club or organisation, we may be able to help you gain a reference from your Local Authority Sports Development team.

Step 2 – Choose a Course

If you have answered yes to all of the eligibility criteria you should then check which courses are eligible for bursary funding by visiting www.officialsports.org or by calling the Official Sports London team on 020 7749 9173 or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Step 3 – Register your Interest

Once you have met the eligibility criteria and chosen your course you should then register your interest by visiting www.officialsports.org, emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or calling 020 7749 9173.

Step 4 – Complete an Application Form

Once you have registered your interest you will receive an application pack with a stamped addressed envelope to return your form in once complete. Try to complete the form as soon as you can. You will also be told the next deadline for the return of forms. The Official Sports London team can help with any questions you might have about how to complete your form and further information on how to complete your application form can be found at www.officialsports.org.

Step 5 – Assessment and Decision

We hold monthly panel meetings to make funding decisions. You will be informed of the outcome of your application within one week of the date of the panel meeting.  If successful you will receive a grant award pack with a breakdown of your awarded bursary costs and full information on how to receive your bursary award.

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact Simon Unsworth, Officials Development Officer at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 0114 284 1067 or contact the Official Sports London team on 020 7749 9173 or contact the Official Sports London team on 020 7749 9173 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .