SportsAid launches SportsAid Connect, powered by RBC, to support the next generation of athletes 

Built on SportsAid's long-standing partnership with RBC, SportsAid Connect extends the charity's commitment to supporting emerging athletes both on and off the field of play. 

The platform is a private, safe and moderated space for SportsAid-supported athletes, their parents and caregivers, and alumni of the charity. It provides access to expert-led content, practical resources and a supportive community, helping users navigate the demands of the athlete pathway. 

As a founding partner of SportsAid Connect, RBC's support has enabled the creation of this platform, building on a shared commitment to supporting young athletes not only in their sporting ambitions, but in their wider personal development.

The platform marks an important step forward in how SportsAid supports young people, recognising that financial assistance alone is not always enough for athletes to progress and thrive. 

SportsAid Connect extends that support by offering accessible, relevant guidance alongside opportunities to connect with others facing similar experiences. 

The platform is the first independent, cross-sport community of its kind, bringing together athletes and their support networks in a single, trusted environment. 

Its development follows SportsAid research conducted in 2024, which highlighted growing demand for additional support. Almost nine in ten parents said a dedicated platform for guidance and advice would be valuable, while 98% recognised the importance of sport in developing well-rounded individuals. 

SportsAid Connect offers a wide range of features designed to support both sporting performance and personal development. 

Members can access a growing library of content covering areas such as performance, nutrition, recovery and mental wellbeing, alongside guidance on balancing sport with education. Community features will also enable athletes, parents and caregivers to share experiences and build connections. 

At the heart of the platform is the Life Skills Hub, supported by RBC, which focuses on key areas including financial literacy, mental wellbeing and communication. The Hub is designed to help athletes build confidence, develop independence and prepare for life beyond sport, while also providing parents and caregivers with insight into how best to support them. 

RBC has partnered with SportsAid since 2014, contributing more than £1 million in financial and developmental support and helping over 500 athletes across the UK. 

As well as enabling SportsAid to provide vital funding to athletes, RBC’s support has helped deliver specialist workshops, equipping athletes and their families with expert guidance on nutrition, mental wellbeing and performance lifestyle management. Many athletes supported through the partnership have gone on to compete at the Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games.