Athlete Travel Scheme opens for second round in 2023

Orkney athletes will once again be able to apply for funds to help support them with travel costs, thanks to an ongoing partnership between sportscotland, Stagecoach and Orkney Islands Council.

The scheme helps ‘elite pathway’ athletes – athletes with potential to reach elite levels of competition and performance – from Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles gain better access to competitive and training opportunities without having to relocate from the islands.

The second of two application dates for the 2023 scheme in Orkney opens on 7 August and will cover applications for October 2023-March 2024 and will close at 5pm on Friday 1 September.

Athletes will be able to apply for up to £750, and the maximum any individual will receive in 2023-2024 is £1,500.

sportscotland has allocated each of the three local authorities £10k, with the Councils then required to top this up with £2k of their own funding.

Stagecoach has also generously invested a further £4.5k for this year’s scheme, helping to support even more Orkney athletes.

The amounts received by successful applicants will be based on a number of criteria including their forecasted competition and training schedule, understanding of the Sports Performance Pathway and National Rankings. The application process also requires athletes to evidence how the grant will improve their performance, provide them access to quality training opportunities and improve their sports or club environment.

Rebecca Reid and Andrew Reid have been selected to represent Scotland in Badminton at the 4 Nations Graded International on 19 and 20 August in the Sir Craig Reedie Centre, Glasgow. They have both received ATAS funding for this round.

Andrew said: “This will be my first time representing Scotland at this level, having been selected last year but unable to attend the fixture in Wales. I'm delighted to have been selected again, this time in a higher team, based off my Scottish national ranking and performance in eligible tournaments. 

“I hope to play well and push to win for Scotland. I will also take as much as I can from the experience of playing for Scotland in an international team tournament. My selection has been made possible with help thanks to the ATAS, as I have been able to compete in more national tournaments this year in Scotland.

“Competing in the Graded International will give me even more experience playing in a team environment at a high level against different opposition from England, Wales and Ireland.”

Rebecca shared her thoughts: “This is my third time taking part in this event and I am delighted to have once again been selected especially after a tough season dealing with injury. 

“I am looking forward to the challenge of playing against other nations at that level. I also really enjoy competing as part of a team as it is such a fantastic atmosphere. For senior players there are very little opportunities to play as part of a team at such a competitive level, especially for those that don’t have the luxury of intercounty matches and Island Games, so this is a great event where players across Scotland can come together to play as a team representing our country.  

“It is always an honour to be selected for Scotland and helps keep me motivated to train and work hard. It means a lot that the national governing bodies are looking to develop opportunities for senior players outwith the national team and make the selection criteria inclusive using events across Scotland to select players, including the national ranking events Orkney Badminton Association hosted this season, to try and break down barriers.

“Although there are increased competitions and training events happening on island - which is fantastic - competing off island allows me to challenge myself at even higher levels such as A grade events and also play against unfamiliar opponents and unfamiliar environments which helps develop my game – particularly the tactical elements.

“Without the support from ATAS I would struggle be able to travel to compete in the number of events required to maintain my Scottish ranking and meet the selection criteria for the Scottish team for the Graded International. I am hugely grateful to sportscotland, OIC and Stagecoach for their continued support through the scheme.” 

Councillor Gwenda Shearer, Chair of Orkney Islands Council's Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, said: " I'm delighted this scheme is continuing and that together with sportscotland we are playing our part in helping local athletes to compete and develop on a level playing field with their counterparts across Scotland.”

Forbes Dunlop, Chief Executive, sportscotland, said: “The aim of ATAS is to level the playing field for athletes in communities like Orkney by addressing the specific challenges they face and making it easier to access the training and competition they need.

“In addition to providing financial support to athletes, we also work closely with Orkney Islands Council to ensure that athletes can access specialist services locally through the sportscotland institute of sport. This complete support package makes a huge difference as we have seen with Orkney-based ATAS-supported athletes who have made real progress in their chosen sports.”

To find out more visit www.orkney.gov.uk/ATAS