After a hard fought seven-year-journey by directors and staff to attain a national NGB status Surfing England has been officially recognised at the highest level becoming a National Governing Body (NGB).
The news means that English surfing is now eligible to gain access to government funding and professional support, which has been closed for many years – an essential step at a critical time, as the sport continues to grow and it prepares for its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020.
Sport England announced that Surfing England is now a recognised National Governing Body.
“As a recognised NGB, we hope that Surfing England will continue to grow in its reach, providing more support and expertise to anyone currently in the sport or starting for the first time.” Said Phil Smith, Sport England’s Director of Sport.
The organisation’s vision and strategy towards “a healthy surfing community” can now be realised. With access to thousands of miles of wave drenched coastline and world leading wavepool technology set to radically improve performance, English surfers should be able to access funding and support to aim for medals on the global stage.
Surfing England passed rigorous testing and examination by Sport England. Built by surfers for surfers with a strong foundation, professional staff and an adherence to proper and transparent process. Surfing England has succeeded largely thanks to the good will of its diverse membership and exceptional support from sponsors.
Surfing England recognition means that Sport England’s multimillion pound ‘Towards an Active Nation’ strategy can now be a target for the NGB and its affiliated surf clubs and organisations funding applications. This alongside the sports council’s other funding opportunities.
“There is no guarantee of funding, but with funds for facilities, volunteering, participation, tackling inactivity, events, communities, performance, talent development and more, Surfing England aims to secure the sports financial future.” Said Bruce Daniel, Chair of the Surfing England board of directors.
“The message is a clear one, Surfing England is a community and we invite every surfer in the country to join us“, said Nick Rees, Surfing England Operations Manager.
Surfing England, now with its official recognition and wave of positive energy, will provide a first class service to its members and the public as it aims to achieve “a healthy surfing community”.
