An Isle of Wight ferry operator is continuing its long-running support for community groups.
Wightlink has announced a new round of support and sponsorship through its Wightlink in the Community programme, extending its support into 2026.
The scheme, which has been running since 1987, backed more than 14,000 cross-Solent journeys last year.
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Sam Woodman, partnerships marketing manager at Wightlink, 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."
The programme enables sports teams, performers and artists to travel to the mainland for competitions, events and development opportunities.
For 2026, Wightlink will support 20 sporting teams, ten arts organisations and five environmental groups.
It will also renew partnerships with ten Island charities.
Wightlink also offers individual support through the Isle of Wight Council’s Talented Athlete scheme.
Under this scheme, the company is assisting 82 athletes in 2026 with essential travel to the mainland for training and competition.
Among the beneficiaries is Sporting Opportunities Isle of Wight, whose footballers secured a trophy at their first ever competitive fixture in May.
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Deborah Percy, of 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."
Other groups have also found success through the programme.
The Wightlink Cycle Race Team celebrated multiple victories, including a championship title for seven-year-old rider Finley Manser-Grundy, while Wight Eagles Academy FC saw league wins for both its under-13 and under-15 teams.
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