The primary focus of UK Sport, the UK Sports Institute (UKSI), and the British Elite Athletes Association (BEAA) is on helping athletes prepare for life after their funded programmes, supporting them in transitioning to new endeavours beyond competitive sports.

Athletes may choose to depart from a funded programme for a multitude of reasons, ranging from retiring from competitive sports to alterations in classification, injury, illness, deselection, or transitioning into professional endeavours.

UK Sport Coaching and Athlete Support Lead Joanna Jones said: "Ensuring the right support is available, both on and off the field of play, is of critical importance. By working together across the high-performance community, we can help athletes develop both personally and professionally.

"Meaning they can be at their best from a performance perspective, whilst providing them with the skills and experience to thrive once their time as an elite athlete comes to an end. Whether an athlete leaves their funded programme due to retirement, deselection, long-term injury or a range of other reasons, we want to ensure they feel fully prepared."

A recent BEAA survey found that only 40% of elite athletes feel prepared to leave the World Class Programme, with 45% uncertain about available support. UK Sport, the UKSI, and the BEAA are partnering to raise awareness and better support transitioning athletes and staff.

BEAA CEO Anna Watkins MBE said: "From my own experience, I know that elite sporting careers can’t last indefinitely but that there are a lot of positives in life after sport. It’s essential for athletes to prepare for their next steps, and accessing the support available is a major part of that.

"Our research indicates that athletes aren’t fully aware of the breadth of support available. While as organisations we provide different services and stand separate from one another, we know that transitioning to a new stage can feel daunting, so hope that by working together we can help more athletes to prepare for leaving the World Class Programme – whenever that may be."

As the Paris Olympics approach, more athletes are leaving programmes, with 278 summer athletes in 2022 compared to 125 in 2021, and 29 winter athletes in 2023 compared to 15 in 2022. UK Sport, UKSI, and BEAA offer support in learning and development, one-to-one assistance, and maintaining connections within the athlete community, including funding through Personal Development Awards.

Athletes receive coaching and mentoring from UKSI's Performance Lifestyle Team or regional equivalents, supporting their well-being and development during and after their careers. UKSI provides two years of post-programme support, BEAA offers six months of independent support post-funding and facilitates a lifelong digital community for athletes. Additional support is available from their sport and Home Country Sports Council or Institute.

UK Sports Institute Head of Performance Lifestyle Jo Harrison said: "Performance Lifestyle practitioners from the UKSI or across the Home Country Sports Institutes are here to create safe spaces for athletes to explore who they are holistic.

"We feel that is extremely important, both to benefit their sporting career and their future pathways. We want all athletes to know that more support is available to them than ever before, there are people within their sport and the wider community who are here to listen and support them, no matter their circumstances."