From pursuing childhood ambitions to testing themselves against some of the best competitors in the country and internationally, Islanders are using Red Funnel’s Proud to Support programme to take their talents further.
And more are hoping to follow in their footsteps, with 40 individuals and teams already applying for support in 2026 as the programme enters its final month for applications.
Taking talent to international level
Among those to have benefited from this year’s programme is international scooter rider Joe Crockett, whose support has enabled him to travel to larger skateparks and competitions across the UK and Europe.
He competed at the Urban World Series in Barcelona, while opportunities to ride internationally in countries including Germany and Italy have helped Joe develop his skills and profile within the sport.
Joe said,
“Having the opportunity to ride my scooter internationally in places like Germany and Italy has helped me to progress massively in the sport and in my abilities, also giving me the chance to fulfil a childhood dream of mine from when I first started scootering.
“The travel support I have had this year has been incredible, allowing me to practice and train at bigger skateparks a lot more frequently, travelling to more competitions that I would not be able to go to otherwise, such as the Urban World Series in Barcelona. This has helped me to grow as a rider in the scene, both socially and online, and put my name out there more.”
What the programme provides
Proud to Support provides travel assistance to Island Ambassadors, Supported Teams and Supported Talents, removing some of the barriers associated with travelling to the mainland and further afield to train, compete and perform.
This year the programme has provided £73,000 in travel assistance through and an addition 435 discounts. Which has seen a total of 40 sponsorships, including 13 Island Ambassadors, 12 Supported Teams and 15 Supported Talents.
Archery competitions across the country
Isle of Wight Archer Summer Chambers has also used Proud to Support assistance to compete in national and South Coast competitions, giving her the opportunity to test herself against competitors from across the country and build on her achievements in the sport.
Summer said,
“Being able to take part in national and South coast archery competitions means so much to me. It has given me the opportunity to challenge myself, grow in confidence and achieve goals I once only dreamed of.
“Red Funnel has made a huge difference, helping me get to competitions across the country and giving me the chance to compete at the highest level. I’m incredibly grateful for the support they have given, which has helped me turn my passion for archery into real achievements.”
With less than a month until applications close, Red Funnel is encouraging more Island individuals and teams to put themselves forward for support.
Speaking on the programme Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, added,
“The response to Proud to Support this year has been fantastic. We have already received twice as many applications as we did at this point last year shows just how much ambition and talent there is across the Island, and how important access to mainland opportunities can be in helping that talent thrive.
“Joe and Summer are brilliant examples of what Proud to Support is all about. Whether it’s travelling to a national competition or taking an Island talent onto the international stage, we’re incredibly proud to play a part in helping Islanders pursue their ambitions.
“With less than a month to go, we encourage any individuals or teams who think they could benefit from the programme to get their application in. We’re really looking forward to discovering the next group of Islanders we can support.”
How to apply
Applications for the 2026 Proud to Support programme close on Monday 16th November, 2026.
For further information on Red Funnel’s Proud to Support initiative, including Island Ambassadors, Supported Teams and Supported Talents, please visit the website.
News shared by Sophie on behalf of Red Funnel. Ed
