Westway Sports Bursaries – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This bursary scheme is run in partnership with Everyone Active, provides free and subsidised access to sports and fitness activities for residents of North Kensington.

Funds are used to provide services such as:

• 12-month gym memberships (at Westway Sports & Fitness Centre or Westway Portobello Fitness Club).
• Climbing courses and memberships (e.g. 6-month or 12-month climbing programmes).
• Tennis “Pay & Play” weekly sessions over a season (38 weeks).
• Football programme participation, youth team registration, training & matches (ages 5–15, or U8–U13 teams).

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Live in one of the five wards of North Kensington: Dalgarno, Colville, Notting Dale, St Helen’s, Golborne
• Demonstrate a commitment to sports, fitness or health
• Be in receipt of one or more qualifying benefits, and provide proof. Qualifying benefits include:
  • Universal Credit or Income Support
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • Jobseekers’ Allowance (JSA)
  • Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Pension Credit
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Child Tax Credits / Working Tax Credits
  • Housing Benefit
  • Council Tax Support

• The budget for this bursary programme is £40,000.
• £10,000 is ring-fenced specifically for first-time applicants.
• Based on demand, successful applicants will receive one of the services listed above (gym access, courses, sports programmes) rather than a cash grant.

• Applications are made online, via the application form on the Westway website.
• Alternatively, paper application forms can be requested at Westway Trust’s Office.

Application window: Closed

Note: depending on demand, applications may close early. Westway encourages applicants to submit as soon as possible.

Applicants will be notified by Everyone Active of the outcome after assessment.

You must be able to provide proof of your benefit(s) as part of the eligibility verification. Other documentation requirements (if applicable) may include identity confirmation or residency evidence.

Yes, there is a portion of the fund (£10,000) set aside especially for first-time applicants, which helps support those new to the programme.

The bursary is intended to provide access to sports and fitness opportunities to those who might otherwise face barriers. If you already have equivalent access, your application would need to make clear why additional support is needed or what new benefit the bursary would bring to your participation.

Once awarded, the bursary is typically for a specific service or programme (e.g. gym membership, climbing course, football membership). You should specify your preferred option when applying. Any changes would likely require approval.

That would depend on the terms of the bursary. Usually, if someone fails to start or complete the activity without valid reason, Westway may review or revoke the award. (Check the specific terms included in the Everyone Active acceptance materials.)