Summer Holiday Essentials 2026

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Summer Holiday Essentials 2026 grant!

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Summer Holiday Essentials 2026

Summer can be a challenging time for families, especially during the school holidays when everyday costs increase. We understand the added pressure this can place on households, from higher food bills to childcare and preparing for the new school year.

Our Summer Holiday Essentials Fund 2026 is here to provide support to current and former professional football players within our beneficial class who are experiencing financial hardship. The fund is designed to help families manage essential costs over the summer period.

 

What support is available?

Grants are available to help with:

  • Food and essential groceries
  • Holiday clubs, childcare, and structured activities
  • School uniforms and footwear for the upcoming academic year

This support is intended to ease short-term financial pressure during the school holidays.

 

Who can apply?

To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Household Criteria

  • Be within our beneficial class
  • Be a parent or legal guardian
  • Have at least one child of compulsory school age (4–16, or up to 18 if in full-time education)

Financial Criteria

  • Be experiencing financial hardship
  • Typically have a household income below £52,400 (aligned with the UK Real Living Wage), or demonstrate financial need

 

What can’t be funded?

Grants will not be awarded for:

  • Non-essential or luxury items
  • Repayment of long-term or unrelated debts

 

What you’ll need to apply

Applicants will be asked to provide:

  • Proof of household income (e.g. payslips or tax return)
  • Evidence of benefits (if applicable)
  • Proof of eligibility within our beneficial class (if required)
  • Photo ID and proof of address

 

When to apply

  • Applications open: 1st April 2026
  • Applications close: 31st May 2026

 

Additional Information

All applications will be assessed fairly to ensure support reaches those most in need. The fund is designed to provide a meaningful contribution towards essential costs, helping reduce financial stress and support family wellbeing during the summer holidays.

FAQs

    • Be within our beneficial class
    • Be a parent or legal guardian
    • Have at least one child of compulsory school age (4–16, or up to 18 if in full-time education)
    • Be experiencing financial hardship
    • Typically have a household income below £52,400 (aligned with the UK Real Living Wage), or demonstrate financial need

Online at www.theplayersfoundation.org and completing the online application form

  • Proof of household income (e.g. payslips or tax return)
  • Evidence of benefits (if applicable)
  • Proof of eligibility within our beneficial class (if required)
  • Photo ID and proof of address
  • Applications will not be processed without ALL of the requested documentation.
  • 1st April 2026 and close on 31st May 2026.

Real-world help for people in real need

Beneficiary

Beneficiary

Beneficiary

Support with bathroom adaptations

“Further to the support you kindly provided to my father in the form of the financial support for the new downstairs bathroom: Just to let you know I was home over Christmas and New Year. The new bathroom is now complete and to let you know that it has made such a difference to my Dad. No more rushing, stress or accidents. We can't thank you enough for your support. It really has made such a positive difference to him.“

Beneficiary

Support with welfare rights

“Just dropping you a quick email to declare my thanks for your assistance regarding my Industrial Injury Benefit case. The hearing was earlier today, and I was grateful to finally get things off my chest & I believe it went well whatever the outcome. I was assisted by Mark Skinner who was absolutely fantastic, both in today’s hearing and also being immensely helpful in helping me prepare. He was knowledgeable, calming and definitely helped me when I was out of my comfort zone. I am truly grateful for all of the assistance from you and Mark.“

Beneficiary

Support from DISC courses

“Louise & Emma - Thanks for all your support which has been invaluable, and I often pass on your tips to friends - hope you don't mind - not only former players but general public. You are amazing and probably don't realise what a difference you make to so many lives. Angels!!!!!“

Beneficiary