2026 Coaching Scholarship: The British Weight Lifting Foundation Supports Aspiring Coaches

The British Weight Lifting (BWL) Foundation is proud to announce the opening of its latest round of coaching scholarships. This initiative is dedicated to helping passionate individuals become qualified weightlifting coaches, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of professional development within the sport.

Transforming Lives Through Sport

The trustees and staff behind the BWL Foundation are committed to making the charity’s programmes as effective and efficient as possible. By providing high-quality training opportunities, the Foundation aims to maximize community benefits and transform lives through the power of weightlifting.

As Rebecca Wainwright, Chair/Trustee of the BWL Foundation, stated: "We’re committed to helping to remove barriers and giving more people involved in weightlifting the opportunity and encouragement to develop as coaches. This round is specifically focused on supporting young people and those living in deprived areas across the UK."

About the Scholarship

The scholarship provides a limited number of FREE places on selected British Weight Lifting coaching courses. These scholarships are specifically targeted toward individuals who are motivated to deliver coaching and support participation within a BWL-affiliated club or a not-for-profit community organization, such as schools or charities.

By empowering new coaches, the Foundation seeks to strengthen the grassroots infrastructure of weightlifting and increase accessibility for underrepresented groups.

What Scholars Receive

Successful applicants will receive full funding for one of the following online qualification pathways:

• Online Level 1 Award in Coaching Olympic Weightlifting (Value: £350)

• Online Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Olympic Weightlifting (Value: £450)

• Combined Online Level 1 Award & Level 2 Certificate (Value: £700)

In addition to the financial support, scholars gain the professional credentials required to lead coaching sessions and impact their local sporting communities.

Who Can Apply

The Foundation welcomes applications from individuals who meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Experience: A minimum of one year’s experience in weightlifting participation.

• Affiliation: Must be a member of a British Weight Lifting Affiliated Club OR a not-for-profit organization (e.g., school, charity, or community interest company).

• Demographics:

  • Applicants must be aged 16-25.

  • OR live/coach in an area of high deprivation (Decile 1 to 4 for England/Scotland, Rank 1-356 for NI, or 10-40% score for Wales).

• Location: Applicants aged 26 or over must verify their area’s deprivation data using their home or venue postcode on their respective national database.

Only candidates who strictly meet these criteria are encouraged to submit their applications.

Key Dates

• Applications Close: Monday, 23 February 2026 (9:00 AM)

• Applicant Notification: Week commencing 3 March 2026

• Enrolment Deadline: 31 March 2026

How to Apply

Eligible candidates must complete the official application form before the deadline. Please note that successful applicants will have 12 months to complete their course from the date of enrolment.

Apply Here

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