Category: Features

Boosting Athlete Support: SIH Expands Fund Match Program for NDP Participants

Scottish Ice Hockey (SIH) is thrilled to celebrate the continued success of this year’s National Development Program (NDP). With increasing participation and an ever-rising standard of play, the dedication and hard work of our players, parents, and volunteers have truly shone through. We recognise the sacrifices made—time, effort, and financial investment—and deeply appreciate the commitment to the sport and the program’s growth.

Understanding the financial demands of elite development, SIH is proud to continue the Athlete Fund Match (AFM) program, which has been instrumental in supporting our talented athletes as they prepare for the upcoming tournaments in Finland.

Athlete Fund Match Initiative

SIH has committed to contributing up to £250 per athlete to help subsidise travel and participation costs for these international tournaments. This initiative is designed to ease the financial burden on athletes and their families while fostering a proactive approach to securing support.

How to Qualify for AFM

To be eligible for the Athlete Fund Match, funds must be sourced through one or both of the following:

  • Fundraising efforts – Events, activities, or publicly available funding initiatives.
  • Sponsorships or donations – Contributions from registered businesses in the UK.

Please note: Direct parental contributions will not be matched. This ensures that athletes take an active role in raising funds, promoting their own achievements, and contributing to the growth of the sport.

Next Steps

The details of the initiative will be provided to the participants. In the meantime, we encourage athletes to start thinking creatively about ways to raise funds—whether as individuals or as teams. Consider engaging in healthy, community-focused, and sport-promoting activities to maximise your support.

Every athlete selected for the NDP should take immense pride in their achievements. We look forward to seeing the inspiring efforts our athletes put into securing their participation in Finland.

Stay tuned for more updates, and best of luck with your fundraising initiatives!