Talented local athletes can apply for free access to Edinburgh Leisure facilities to support their training and development
Following an inspiring summer of sport and the excitement of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, Edinburgh Leisure is encouraging talented athletes across the capital to apply for the Edinburgh Talented Athlete Support Scheme (ETASS), which provides free access to facilities to support their training, recovery and development.
Delivered annually in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, National Governing Bodies of Sport and the Scottish Institute of Sport Network (SISN), ETASS helps reduce some of the practical barriers linked to performance sport.
Applications for the 2026/27 intake are now open and available until the 31 August.
Packed arenas, standout performances and stories of determination at this year’s Commonwealth Games highlighted the positive role sport can play in people’s lives. Edinburgh Leisure hopes that energy will encourage more talented athletes in Edinburgh to pursue their ambitions, with ETASS helping to make the facilities needed to train, recover and develop more accessible.
Angela McCowan, Sports Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Watching athletes compete on a major stage can be incredibly inspiring, especially for young people and emerging athletes who see what is possible through hard work, support and opportunity.
“The Commonwealth Games may have come to an end, but the impact they leave behind can last much longer. Through ETASS, we want to help talented athletes across Edinburgh take the next step by giving them access to facilities that can make a real difference to their development.”
Culture and Communities Convener Councillor Margaret Graham said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young and aspiring athletes to develop their skills in Edinburgh Leisure venues across the city.
“The Commonwealth Games will no doubt have been a source of inspiration, in particular Edinburgh’s own gold medal-winner and record holder Josh Kerr.
“By nurturing emerging talent like this the Edinburgh Talented Athlete Support Scheme is helping to encourage the Capital’s next generation of sporting stars.”
Successful applicants will be able to use Edinburgh Leisure gyms, swimming pools and athletics tracks to support key areas of their training, including strength and conditioning, endurance work, recovery and rehabilitation.
Athletes interested in applying can find full details, eligibility criteria and application information on the Edinburgh Leisure website.
To learn more and apply, visit: Edinburgh Talented Athlete Support Scheme
