Stay in Play, a youth sports grant from the Luka Dončić Foundation, is aimed directly at young rowers and athletes fighting financial strain to stay in sport. It offers over £25,000 of needs-based support per athlete for one year, to help committed young athletes aged 12 to 15 keep training, competing, and progressing when cost, access, or family pressures make continuing difficult. Eligible costs include coaching, equipment, travel, and club or programme fees, which means it can be put directly towards the everyday expenses that keep a junior rower on the water.
The application window is open until 20 August 2026, with athletes based in Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States eligible this year. The programme will support at least 25 athletes in 2026, and at least 77 over three years.
A parent or legal guardian must start the application, with the athlete completing their own short statement and a coach providing a recommendation, making it a natural fit for club coaches who know a junior’s commitment first-hand. Applications are free, can be completed in multiple languages, and can be saved and finished later. Finalists may be invited for interviews, and final decisions are expected in December 2026.
We would encourage clubs and coaches to share this opportunity with families of eligible young athletes. Find out more and apply here.
“Rowing has the power to change lives, and clubs and programmes across the country are doing great work to make the sport more accessible. But for some families the costs can still be a real barrier. Stay in Play could make the difference, helping committed young athletes keep training, competing and enjoying the sport” said Nathaniel Reilly-O’Donnell, British Rowing’s Director of Development.
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