Wightlink Continues Backing for Island Groups After Supporting Over 14,000 Trips Last Year

Wightlink has announced the organisations it will support through its Wightlink in the Community programme in 2026, continuing a long-running initiative that has helped Island groups and individuals for almost four decades, since 1987.

Last year, Wightlink provided more than 14,000 cross-Solent journeys for its sponsored groups, enabling individuals and teams to travel to the mainland for competitions, performances, events and development opportunities. A similar level of support is planned for 2026, ensuring Island teams, artists, performers and athletes can continue to gain valuable experience and represent the Isle of Wight at regional and national level.

Since its launch, the Wightlink in the Community programme has grown steadily and now supports a wide range of sporting, arts, environmental and charitable organisations across the Isle of Wight. In 2026, Wightlink is supporting 20 sporting teams, 10 arts organisations and five environmental groups, while also renewing partnerships with 10 local charities. The company also provides additional ad-hoc support for local charitable and community initiatives throughout the year.

Alongside group sponsorship, Wightlink supports individual athletes through the Isle of Wight Council’s Talented Athlete scheme, assisting 82 gifted sportspeople in 2026 with essential cross-Solent travel. The scheme helps young Islanders access training, competitions and development opportunities that would otherwise be difficult to reach.

Several Wightlink-supported teams celebrated notable successes over the past year. Sporting Opportunities Isle of Wight won medals across bowls, athletics and football, with their footballers securing a trophy at their first-ever competitive fixture in May.

Deborah Percy from Sporting Opportunities Isle of Wight said: “Wightlink’s support makes an enormous difference to our members. Being able to travel to the mainland opens opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach, not just to compete but to build confidence, independence and a real sense of belonging. Sporting Opportunities is about more than results; it’s about shared effort, pride and inclusion and we’re incredibly grateful to Wightlink for helping our athletes feel valued and proud to represent the Isle of Wight.”

The Wightlink Cycle Race Team also achieved a series of wins, including the 2025 Go-Ride Downhill Series Champion title for seven-year-old Finley Manser-Grundy, while Wight Eagles Academy FC recorded league wins for both its Under-13 and Under-15 teams.

Sam Woodman, Wightlink’s Partnerships Marketing Manager, said: “Since 1987, Wightlink has been proud to support Island communities, with a strong focus on helping young people access opportunities beyond the Solent. Through Wightlink in the Community, we’re committed to supporting the next generation of Island talent and are delighted to continue this in 2026.”

 

Sponsored Sporting Teams for 2026:

Wightlink Cycle Race Team

Ryde Rowing Club

Portsmouth Football Club Academy (Island players)

Sporting Opportunities Isle of Wight

Royal Victoria Yacht Club

Isle of Wight Athletic Club

Isle of Wight Cricket Board

Isle of Wight Hockey Club

Isle of Wight Triathlon Club

Isle of Wight Young Farmers Club

Oakfield Youth FC

Ryde Sea Cadets

Ryde Swimming Club

Seaclose Swimming Club

Solent Synchro

Vectis Rugby Football Club

Wight Eagles FC

Wightgymnasts (Xcel)

Wightlink Warriors & Wightlink Wizards

 

Sponsored Arts Organisations:

Quay Arts

Shanklin Theatre

Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra

Julia Margaret Cameron Trust (Dimbola)

Medina Theatre

Platform One College of Music

Curtain Call Creative

Fusion Arts Academy

New Carnival

West Wight Arts Association

 

Sponsored Environmental Groups:

Blue Marine Foundation

Forestry England and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

RSPB Isle of Wight

Institute of Marine Sciences – University of Portsmouth

 

Sponsored Charities (not including those supported on an ad hoc basis):

Ability Dogs 4 Young People

Aspire Ryde

LBT Global

Naomi House & Jacksplace

RSPCA Isle of Wight

Isle of Wight Cats Protection

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

The Elizabeth Foundation

WightAID

Isle of Wight Steam Railway