Opportunities fund

University of Nottingham Sport are offer Opportunities Funds to support students with the cost of joining a sports club at University. These funds are generously supported by our University of Nottingham alumni and our Official Kit sponsor PlayerLayer. Please note applications for 2025/26 are now closed. 

Men's Football at Nottingham Varsity 2025

The Opportunities Fund and PlayerLayer Fund are now closed for 2025/26

Thank you to those who have submitted their application for the Sport Opportunities Fund and PlayerLayer fund. The window has now closed and applications are being reviewed. Outcomes will be communicated to all applicants week commencing 20 October.

I missed the deadline can I still apply?

Please note the Sport Opportunities Fund and PlayerLayer fund have now closed. Due to a high volume of applications in Round 1 we will not accept further applications for either fund. 

I have already purchased my fitness membership can I get a refund?

Both funds operate a no refund policy as stated on all application information. This is linked to a variety of factors including;

  1. The associated administration cost of administering refunds exceeds the discounted amount.  
  2. The volume of applications we receive for a limited funding pot. 

Will the funds reopen?

Due to the number of applications already received, it is unlikely we will reopen the Opportunities Fund in the 2025/26 academic year. Reopening of the PlayerLayer fund is under consideration for November / December - please check this website for updates. 

University of Nottingham Sport Opportunities Fund

What is the UoN Sport Opportunities Fund?

At University of Nottingham Sport we offer financial support to qualifying students through our Opportunities Fund to support you to engage with sport and fitness during your time on campus. You will be able to apply for up to £150 towards the purchase of a UoN sport and fitness membership to allow you to join a sports club. 

This Fund has generously been made possible through donations from University of Nottingham alumni through our Just Giving Day campaign. 

Am I eligible?

Due to restrictions, the Opportunities Fund is currently only available to students who are currently registered undergraduate home (UK) students at the University of Nottingham, who also belong to one or more of the following groups:

  1. Mature students
  2. Students with a disability
  3. Students from a Black or minority ethnicity
  4. Students who are in receipt of either the University’s Core or Potential Bursaries.

You must also be joining a UoN sports club where UoN sport and fitness membership is mandatory. Any students who are applying for funding for a sport and fitness membership that is not related to group activity (e.g. individuals who want to train in the gym) or not a mandatory requirement for their chosen Sports Club will not be considered

How can I apply?

Applications for the Opportunities Fund will open from 22 September - 10 October 2025.

The application form can be accessed here

Please note, you will receive a discount on your UoN sport and fitness membership. We will not be able to provide refunds to a sport and fitness membership that has already been purchased.

Whilst your application is being considered, you will be able to access our UoN sport and fitness facilities. Following a decision, you will be notified whether a discount has been applied. The Early Bird sport and fitness price (£269 for 2025/26) will be honoured if your application has been made by Friday 4 October. 

PlayerLayer Opportunities Fund

What is the PlayerLayer Opportunities Fund?

Through our partnership with  Player Layer we are able to offer financial support to students who wish to purchase official UoN playing or training kit.

You may access up to a total of £100 annually towards purchasing of PlayLayer sports kit.

Am I eligible?

To access this funding you must be:

A current Home (UK) student studying towards an undergraduate qualification at the University of Nottingham, as well as:

  1. A mature student (over 21 at the beginning of your Undergraduate course)
  2. A student with a disability
  3. A student from a Black or ethnic minority background
  4. A student who is in receipt of the University of Nottingham's Core or Potential Bursaries

You must also be joining a UoN sports club where playing or training kit is required. 

How can I apply?

Applications for the Player Layer opportunities fund will be open from 22 September - 10 October 2025. 

The application form can be accessed here. 

Please note, you will receive a voucher to spend in the UoN Sport shop. We will not be able to provide refunds to sports kit already purchased.