Reading AC Bursary Applications Now Open until 28 February
Reading Athletic Club is happy to announce that our updated bursary award scheme is now open for applications. Please note that the Club has changed the awards system. Importantly, to be considered, athletes must submit their application for a bursary.
The awards will be for 12 months in duration and open to athetes who were in the U13 age group and above in the 2025 track season or 2025-26 cross-country season.
There will be 3 tiers of awards.
Tier 1 £250 cash award and free training for 12 months.
Tier 2 £150 cash award and free training for 12 months
Tier 3 £50 cash award and free training for 12 months
The Club is able to fund thirteen bursaries for 2026 and will distribute these fairly across the variety of disciplines. This will include four track awards, three field awards, three cross country awards and an additional three awards at the Chair’s discretion. Combined events athletes can be selected under track, field or the Chair’s discretion categories.
To be considered for the award of a bursary two conditions must be met: the attainment of a qualifying standard and a demonstration of commitment to Reading Athletic Club in 2025.
Qualifying Standards for a Bursary
An athlete must have achieved one of the following standards in the period 1 March 2025 - 28 February 2026 to be considered for a 2026 Reading AC bursary:
Ranking top 10 in age group for a recognised event on power of 10.
Top 10 position in National Cross Country Championships.
National representation at Home Countries International or other international event.
UK Athletics Level 9 standard
English Schools’ National Standard
Club Commitment Standard
An athlete will only be considered for a bursary award, if they have made a clear commitment to participate in at least three club league events or relays and score team points. Evidence of commitment must be stated on the application form where previous opportunities to represent Reading Athletic Club have been taken during the last 12 months. League events can include track and field or cross-country leagues. Relays can include National track relays or any road/cross country relays.
Once the submission deadline has passed a small grounp of Club Council offiicals will review all applicatios and make recommendations to the Club’s Council. Athletes will be notified of their successful applications in mid-March prior to membership renewal requirements at the beginning of April.
Please note that award holders will need to pay for annual membership but the financial element can be spent on any athletic related activity including the annual membership fee, clothing, sports equipment or travel to athletic events.