A new Volunteer and Officials bursary programme is launched by British Cycling today as part of the 2025-2029 volunteer development plan’s commitment to creating an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable volunteering pathway across England.
The new bursary programme provides financial support to new and existing volunteers - including coaches, ride leaders, event officials, club volunteers, and young people - who want to develop their skills and contribute to the cycling community.
It has been designed to break down barriers for those seeking to bring the joy of cycling to everyone through these crucial roles in the sport. This could contribute to coaching and leadership qualifications such as Introduction to Coaching, to supporting with travel costs to attend training and events, to helping with accessibility related needs such as transport assistance or adaptive equipment.
The programme is for current or new volunteers (aged 14+) involved in clubs, events, or community programmes or aspiring commissaires, requiring support to attend events as a trainee. Applicants must be based in England. If you're based in Scotland or Wales, find out more via Scottish Cycling or Beicio Cymru.*
British Cycling are keen to hear from individuals from underrepresented groups such as young people between 14-25, women and girls, people with a disability, ethnically diverse backgrounds, underrepresented communities, and areas with lower levels of participation. Find out more information around application details here
Applications are now open to support your volunteer journey. Fill in the form here
Head of Education Jo Howson said:
“We are incredibly proud to launch our new Volunteer & Officials Bursary Programme 2025, a new initiative designed to make volunteering more accessible, inclusive, and rewarding than ever before.
“Our volunteers do incredible work, and as we outlined in our volunteer development plan earlier this year, we are committed to supporting their development in return. This new bursary is all about breaking down financial barriers, building a more inclusive volunteer pathway, and encouraging even more people from underrepresented groups to get involved in shaping the future of cycling.
“Whether you're just getting started or looking to take the next step in your volunteering or officiating journey, we are here to help you grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact.”
*Note: Applicants must be based in England. Scottish Cycling and Beicio Cymru both have their own bursary offers which are aligned to their priority areas. Further details for funding support through Scottish Cycling and Beicio Cymru can be found via the links. Read more details on the bursary here.
