£1m Investment Announced for Community Sport

A Jersey-based sports charity has announced plans to invest £1m into local sport in 2026, describing the move as its biggest annual funding commitment to date.

Jersey Sport said the record investment reflects a sustained effort to better match financial support with the needs of clubs, athletes and community organisations across the island.

Chief executive David Kennedy said the decision followed two years of prioritising funding as the charity’s main focus.

“Allocating £1m in 2026 is more than a milestone – it shows what can be achieved when commitment and determination align,” he said.

According to Jersey Sport, investment in local sport has risen sharply in recent years, increasing from £300,000 in 2024 to nearly £800,000 in 2025. The £1m figure for 2026, which includes money generated through the Channel Island Lottery, represents a significant expansion in available support.

The charity said the funding uplift would provide a step-change in opportunities for sporting organisations and individuals, helping to strengthen participation and development across the island.

Mr Kennedy said the charity’s success should be measured by real-world outcomes. “We will ultimately be judged on the impact we deliver,” he said. “This level of investment gives sport a strong foundation to grow, and we are keen to work with partners to make sure this progress continues.”

One organisation already benefiting from Jersey Sport’s funding is Skateboard Jersey. Its chair, Phil Minty, said support received in 2025 had helped the group become more sustainable.

“The funding has allowed us to increase our presence at the skatepark and support more young people as they push themselves and learn a challenging sport,” he said. “We now feel confident in our ability to deliver services to a broader range of islanders and are looking forward to what 2026 will bring with Jersey Sport’s continued backing.”