Wightlink partners with Isle of Wight Council to support sporting talent in 2026

Wightlink is continuing its long-standing support for the Isle of Wight Talented Athlete Scheme, providing discounted ferry travel to help Island athletes overcome the challenges of
competing from an island location.

In 2026, 82 talented athletes across 23 different sports will be supported via the scheme, providing them with access to a range of benefits designed to help gifted, non-professional competitors reach their full potential. As a long-standing sponsor, Wightlink will provide discounted ferry travel, helping athletes attend mainland training sessions, competitions and development programmes throughout the year.

The Talented Athlete Scheme, which runs from January to December 2026, is coordinated by the Isle of Wight Council and supported by a group of Island-based partners, including 1Leisure, Love Running, Cowes Chiropractic Clinic, RMA Sports Injury Clinic, Sports Performance Centre, and Amanda Buggy Soft Tissue Therapy & Nutrition.

Sam Woodman, Wightlink’s Partnerships Marketing Manager, said the company is proud to continue its involvement in the scheme. “Wightlink has supported the Talented Athlete Scheme since it began in 2013, and we see first-hand the difference it makes. Travel can be a real barrier for Island athletes, so we’re proud to help remove that obstacle and support their ambition, dedication and hard work.”

Athletes accepted onto the scheme must meet strict eligibility criteria, based on official National Governing Body rankings. The scheme supports both elite performers, ranked among the top athletes nationally or selected for national squads, and junior performers, aged 18 or under, who are excelling at county, regional or national level. All athletes must be Isle of Wight residents and compete in Sport England-recognised disciplines.

In addition to discounted travel, successful applicants receive free access to leisure centres, along with retail, physiotherapy, chiropractic and nutritional discounts, providing support for training, recovery and performance.

Alec Broome, from the Isle of Wight Council, highlighted the importance of partnership working in sustaining the scheme. “The Talented Athlete Scheme continues to go from strength to strength, thanks to the commitment of sponsors like Wightlink. This support allows Island athletes to compete on a level playing field and pursue their sporting goals while proudly representing the Isle of Wight.”

Athlete Mark Longford said: “Being part of the Isle of Wight Talented Athlete Scheme genuinely means a lot to me. Training and racing in long-distance triathlon – along with the wider endurance events I take on – involves plenty of travel to the mainland, so having Wightlink’s support makes a real difference. It takes the pressure off the logistics and allows me to focus on preparing properly, racing hard and representing the Island the best way I can.”

Wightlink looks forward to following the progress of the 2026 athletes and celebrating their achievements throughout the year, as they continue to showcase the depth of sporting talent on the Isle of Wight. People can keep up to date by following Wightlink in the Community on   Facebook and Instagram.