The purpose of this investment is to enable Scottish Governing Bodies (SGBs) to strengthen the effectiveness of sporting pathways so that athletes can experience inclusive, consistent, high-quality development environments that support their progression toward world-class performance.
The investment outcomes relate directly to athlete progression, athlete development environments and systems that drive athlete quantity, quality and diversity.
Each sport has its own unique demands and therefore requires a tailored needs analysis to identify the most effective areas for development. Investment should be shaped by these sport-specific requirements and focused on strengthening both the people and the programmes that align to the intended outcomes.
Investment in people is likely to prioritise skilled coaches and dedicated pathway management roles. This may include lead coaches, physical preparation coaches, or pathway co-ordinators who can provide direction, continuity, parental guidance and day-to-day support for athletes, parents/guardians and volunteers. Strengthening these roles helps ensure better coaching quality, clearer progression routes, and a more coherent athlete experience.
Investment in programmes is likely to focus on increasing access to meaningful training and competition opportunities. Expanding daily/weekly training or training camps, competition schedules, or targeted performance initiatives that allow athletes to practise skills in coherent, rigorous, well informed and progressive environments. Enabling well-designed programmes to create the challenge, support and context required for sustained development.
Alongside this, there will be an emphasis on learning and development, with ongoing upskilling opportunities for both pathway staff and coaches. Providing education, mentoring, and professional development to support those delivering the pathway to remain current, confident, and capable of supporting athletes, and the people within their environments effectively.
SGB’s are encouraged to consider athlete development principles when designing effective athlete pathways, information can be found in the ‘pathways briefing note’.
This new pathway funding of £2m forms part of the overall £18m allocated to sportscotland in the Scottish Government January 2026 budget announcement.
The funding will be directed to Scottish Governing Bodies (SGBs) to strengthen pathway provision through targeted investment in people, programmes, or a combination of both. All awards will be assessed against agreed criteria and aligned to the established guidance principles to ensure consistency, impact, and value.
Applications will be submitted through a structured process, requiring SGBs to outline their case for investment and demonstrate how the proposed activity will strengthen pathway outcomes. SGBs are invited to apply via the application portal by 31 May. sportscotland will review applications and make investment decisions in June, with funding distributed in July through the supplementary investment process. Pathway investment will then be integrated into the 2027 core investment cycle.
Delivery and impact will be supported throughout the year by sportscotland staff, with progress monitored and outcomes reviewed and refined annually to ensure continuous improvement.
For further information please email newmonies@sportscotland.org.uk