Free Access for National Sportspeople (FANS)


Facility contacts
General contacts

STOP PRESS

Aldershot Garison Sports Centre has signed up to the FANS/FACS scheme. They are offering the free use of their 50 metre Olympic 8 lane swimming pool, gymnasium and gym classes plus discounted rates on their badminton and squash courts.

The FANS scheme is an important sports development initiative which aims to provide support and encouragement to the county's leading talented and elite sports performers.

The scheme aims to provide national level sportspeople with free access to a number of the county's sport and leisure facilities at designated off-peak times for personal training and development.

Eligibility

The scheme provides opportunities for sportsmen and sportswomen of all ages (including those with a disability) who currently perform and compete at a national level. Are you:

  • Currently a member of a national team or squad
  • Currently listed in the top 10 of your national age group in either England, UK or GB rankings
  • Priority will be given to junior age groups and full senior internationals

Sports supported by the FANS scheme are:  Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Baseball/softball, Basketball, Boccia, Boxing, Canoeing, Cricket, Cycling, Equestrian, Fencing, Girls Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Lacrosse, Modern Pentathlon, Mountaineering, Netball, Rowing, Rugby Union, Sailing, Skiing, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball.  All summer and winter Olympic and Paralympic disciplines not listed are also eligible.

If you are any of the above, and reside in a Local Authority that operates the scheme, you could be eligible for FANS.

Operational Guidelines

  1. Each FANS member will be entitled to free use of facilities of their choice during designated off-peak times, when the facility is open, provided there is no disruption to other users and no additional cost is incurred by the facility e.g. floodlighting.
  2. FANS members will choose their three 'top' facilities in order of preference.  For a list of available facilities please see link above.
  3. Membership of the FANS scheme is renewable every twelve months pending continued sports performance at a national level.
  4. FANS member will be allowed one free training partner if the sport so requires and/or a personal coach if appropriate.
  5. In return for these benefits, a condition of the FANS membership is that they will make every effort, within reason, to attend promotional events as requested by the participating Local Authority or leisure facility.

Application Process

If you are interested in joining the FANS scheme, then please complete the FANS Application form and return it to:

FANS, Sport Hampshire & IOW, Mottisfont Court, High Street, Winchester, SO23 8ZF.

Please enclose:

  • Completed application form
  • Two passport sized photos
  • Evidence to confirm/support your involvement in sport at a national level. This must be in the form of a letter from National Governing Body

Applications are processed on the 1st and 15th of every month.  Once you have received your FANS card you should contact your designated leisure facility to discuss practical arrangements for use during off-peak times.

Renewals

If would like to renew your membership to the scheme, please do the following:

Return your card to:

  • FANS, Sport Hampshire & IOW, Mottisfont Court, High Street, Winchester. SO23 8ZF
  • Provide evidence of your continued sporting performance in accordance to the criteria set out above. This must be in the form of a letter of support from your Governing Body of Sport.  If still eligible, you will receive your new membership card within 2 weeks.