Coaching Course Bursaries

The bursary scheme was originally established to make use of the surplus funds transferred to us when the Suffolk Athletics Network concluded its activities around ten years ago. At that time, it was agreed that the money (approximately £10,000) would be ring‑fenced and used solely for purposes aligned with the Network’s original aims – namely, supporting coach development and increasing the number of qualified coaches within the county.

We have now reached the point where the original fund is almost fully utilised, and we want to ensure the remaining balance is used to maximum effect. To support fair and consistent decision‑making, we will be requesting more detailed information from applicants so the panel can assess each submission against the eligibility and priority criteria.

There will be two application windows each year, with deadlines on 31 March and 30 September. The next window will open on 1 July, with applications closing on 30 September.

Please read the following policy before submitting your application (link at bottom of page).

Coaching Course Bursary Policy

1. Purpose

Suffolk County Athletics Association provides bursaries to affiliated clubs to support members in completing recognised coaching qualifications. The purpose of the scheme is to increase the quality and capacity of coaching across the county so that the needs of athletes are met effectively and sustainably.

2. Courses Supported

Suffolk County Athletics will contribute up to 50% of the course fee for the following England Athletics qualifications:
– Athletics Coach (AC)
– Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF)

3. Conditions of Award

– Clubs can apply for a maximum of  2 Coach Award bursaries in a calendar year.
– Bursaries must be used solely for the approved course.
– The course must have been completed at least 3 months prior to the application being submitted.
– The applying club must confirm that since completing the course the coach has delivered a minimum of two training sessions a month.
– Suffolk County Athletics reserves the right to request the return of bursary funds if false information is provided or if the conditions of the award are not met. Failure to do so could result in exclusion from future applications.

4. Application Process

There will be two opportunities per year for clubs to apply for bursaries with deadlines on 31^st March and 30^th September.

Details of the scheme and the application form will be posted on the SCAA website. Affiliated clubs will be informed that the scheme is open and advised of the closing date via email to the club secretary, the county website, and social media channels.

An online application form will be provided and will request the following information:
– Name of club
– Name of the club member
– Qualification achieved
– Date and venue of the course
– Bursary amount requested
– Name, position in the club, and email address of the person submitting the application
– Number of qualified coaches for seniors and juniors, and the number of senior and junior athletes in the club
– Reasons for applying e.g., financial background
– Declaration

Applications MUST be submitted before the advertised closing date.

A panel consisting of the Chair, the Bursary Scheme Administrator, and one other committee member will assess the applications against the scheme criteria/priorities. If the Chair or Administrator are unavailable, or unable to sit on the panel due to conflict of interest, a second SCAA committee member will take their place.

All applicants will be informed of the outcome and have the right to appeal.

5. Assessment Criteria

To ensure bursaries are targeted where they will have the greatest impact, applications will be assessed against the following considerations:

– Coach : Athlete ratio: Does the existing ratio at the club align with England Athletics recommendations? Suffolk County Athletics may actively encourage applications from clubs with the greatest need in this regard, such as those operating with significantly higher ratios and therefore requiring additional coaching capacity.

– Opportunities for juniors to experience jumps and throws in addition to running and promote participation in Suffolk Sportshall competition.

– Need: The bursary should only be awarded where there is a genuine financial need. This includes situations where the club’s financial position means a coach would not be able to undertake the training without bursary support. In these cases, the bursary has a direct and positive impact on increasing the number of qualified coaches in the county. Where a club is in a strong financial position and would fund the course regardless of bursary support, the bursary is not considered to be meeting a need and should not be awarded.

– Fair distribution: Number of bursaries awarded to the club in the previous 12 months, to ensure fair and balanced distribution across the county.

6. Governance

The bursary scheme is administered by Suffolk County Athletics. Decisions are made by the panel and are final.
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains fair, effective, and aligned with county development priorities.

(Updated 15th May 2026)