Red Funnel Celebrates Isle Of Wight Talent With £70,000 Support Boost

Red Funnel is celebrating another successful year of backing Island talent through its Proud to Support initiative, as the Isle of Wight looks ahead to 2026.

Over the past 12 months, more than £70,000 in travel support has been provided through 43 sponsorships, helping Islanders train, compete and perform off the Island.

This included 16 Island Ambassadors, 12 Supported Teams and 15 Supported Talents across a wide range of sports and creative disciplines.

Among the highlights, indie band Coach Party toured the UK and Europe, freestyle dancers Isabel and Jasmine Dominey impressed at national and world championships, and darts player Keegan Brown broke into the world’s top 20 on the PDC Challenge Tour.

Kickboxer Dominic Marsh represented Team GB, while junior archer Summer Chambers claimed multiple county titles.

Island teams also enjoyed a standout year.

Ventnor Rugby Club completed all fixtures across both senior sides, East Cowes Victoria Athletic FC secured promotion to the Wessex Premier Division, and the Isle of Wight Squash team celebrated national and regional success.

Vectis Riding Club members qualified for national championships, including a British Para National Champion title.

Fifteen emerging talents were also supported, including dressage rider Natalie Brougham, who qualified for major championships in 2026, and bowls player Jude Beaman, who reached national finals.

Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, said:

“It’s been inspiring to see so many Islanders achieve incredible things this year.

"While the hard work is all theirs, we’re proud to support local talent as they take the next steps on their journey.”

Red Funnel says it will continue the Proud to Support programme in 2026, with a new group of Ambassadors, Teams and Talents to be announced soon.

More information on the initiative can be found on Red Funnel’s website.