What we will fund
If you live in London and are aged 16+ you could receive financial support towards the cost of completing a sports officiating course and undertaking 15 hours of officiating experience. Your bursary could provide funding towards a range of the following costs*:
- The course or training fee
- Any licence, membership or registration fees that are required
- Equipment costs – e.g. for items such as whistles, stopwatches or course resource packs
- Clothing and Uniform costs- e.g. for referee’s, judge’s or umpire’s uniform, trainers and t-shirts
- Travel costs to attend your course
- Travel costs to help you complete your 15 hours of officiating
- Childcare or adult care expenses while you attend your course and 15 hours of officiating
- Accommodation and subsistence costs if it is necessary for your to travel outside of London to complete your course or 15 hours of officiating (where this is specified as necessary by the National Governing Body)
* Eligible costs for each course are specified by the relevant National Governing Bodies of sport. Click here to see details of courses and costs.
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. The applicant 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.
Successful applicants will pay costs relating to their course up front, and will receive their bursary on completion of their course.
Retrospective Applications
If you have already completed an eligible course you may be able to apply for a bursary retrospectively. Call 020 7749 9173 to find out if you are eligible. If you are able to apply you will have to submit proof that you completed and paid for your course. You will have to complete 15 hours of voluntary officiating after your bursary is awarded if you are successful.
Extra support for disabled people
Additional funding is available for disabled people that may require extra support. Please 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 to discuss an appropriate support package. This is extra to the maximum bursary of £350 under the General Fund.
Fast Track Applications
Additional funding is available to existing sports officials that already have high-level qualifications, and are training to become international or elite level officials. You must be nominated by your NGB to be eligible for Fast Track funding.
