Four New Groups Join Wightlink’s Community Sponsorship Scheme

Wightlink has announced the Isle of Wight teams and groups it will sponsor in 2025.

Next year, the ferry company will welcome four new organisations to the Wightlink in the Community family:

• Ryde Boxing Club
• Ryde Swimming Club
• Wightgymnasts (Xcel)
• Isle of Wight Young Farmers Club

The quartet will join dozens of Island sporting, arts and community groups that are already supported with assisted travel.

The Wightlink in the Community initiative is continuing its support for a wide range of organisations, from sports teams to theatres, sea cadets to dance schools.

They all offer valuable opportunities for Islanders, especially younger people, to flourish in their chosen activities.

It all started in 1987, when Ryde Rowing Club was one of the first groups to receive supported travel from Wightlink. Rowers cross the Solent to fly the flag for the Isle of Wight at mainland regattas and develop young talent within the sport and the Club is still part of Wightlink in the Community today.

Wightlink Chief Executive Katy Taylor said

“Since joining Wightlink I have enjoyed learning how we support local groups and provide opportunities for Islanders to further their talents.

"We are delighted to extend our sponsorship to four more clubs this year and wish them well in 2025."

Hannah from Wightgymnasts (Xcel) said:

“Our small group of gymnasts has been offered the fantastic opportunity to be part of the Women’s artistic competitive squad at the Xcel Gymnastics club in Horndean near Portsmouth.

"Support from Wightlink will make travel much easier for us and allow our young gymnasts to fully focus on training and competitions along a regional and national pathway.

"It is particularly important for one of our young members who competes in disability gymnastics and is hoping to represent Great Britain in the Paralympics in the future.”

Sian Grove of Isle of Wight Young Farmers Club said:

“We are a club for young people, run by young people – with the aim of encouraging and supporting the next generation into agriculture.

"We are delighted to be supported by Wightlink in 2025, their sponsorship means our members will be able to attend young farmers events on the mainland to help grow their knowledge and love of rural life.”

Marc Sayers, chair and head coach at Ryde Boxing Club, said:

“Travelling to the mainland is very important for our young members as it improves their confidence and helps them to develop as young people.

"Sponsorship from Wightlink will massively help the club – which is run entirely by volunteers – allowing us to travel more frequently while keeping costs down, with our funds being put towards kit for young members who may need it.”

Jacob Jenner from Ryde Swimming Club said:

“Sponsorship from Wightlink is going to make a huge difference to our club in 2025, so we are very grateful for their support.

"Our members regularly compete across the south coast and south east region, which helps to inspire our junior swimmers who are working towards reaching county and regional level.

"Travel support from Wightlink will allow all our members to travel more frequently and work towards achieving their goals.”

As well as sponsoring 38 sporting teams and groups, Wightlink will support 77 individual sportsmen and women in 2025 through the Isle of Wight Council Talented Athlete Scheme.

Wightlink provides assisted travel for athletes to the mainland for competitions, training and events.