How GYSLT Sports Grants Support Grassroots Sport and Inspire Young Athletes in Great Yarmouth
The GYSLT grant awarded to Muay Thai athlete Millie Lopes Guimaraes highlights the wider impact of community sports funding in Great Yarmouth, and how grassroots sport can create lasting benefits far beyond the individual athlete.
Image courtesy of Millie Lopes Guimaraes https://www.instagram.com/millie_lopes/
Union Thai
Millie trains with Union Thai, a local martial arts club in Gorleston with over 60 members, providing structured coaching, discipline and opportunity for young people engaging in sport in Norfolk. Her selection for the WBC Muay Thai Festival in Bangkok in June 2026 demonstrates how local clubs can develop talent capable of competing on an international stage.
supporting participation through grants
Community sports grants like this one play an important role in supporting youth sport participation, particularly where the costs of competition can otherwise become a barrier. In Millie’s case, funding helps cover essential competition equipment such as protective gear and official fight kit, allowing her to focus on training and performance.
This type of grassroots sport funding in Great Yarmouth helps ensure that opportunity is not necessarily limited by financial circumstance. With support in place, young athletes are able to progress through talent pathways, gain international experience and represent their local area with pride.
Pride in Great Yarmouth Talent
There is also a wider community impact. When young people see someone from their own area competing at world level, it helps raise aspirations and encourages greater participation in sport and physical activity. Millie’s journey shows that success in sport is not distant or abstract – it is achievable through local clubs, consistent training and community support.
For familes in east norfolk
For families and young people considering sport, stories like this reinforce the value of staying active, joining local clubs and engaging in positive environments that support both physical and personal development. Discover a hub of fantastic local sports clubs and groups for kids, here >
GYSLT remains committed to supporting grassroots sport across Great Yarmouth and Norfolk, helping clubs, athletes and communities access the opportunities they need to thrive. Millie’s story is one example of how targeted sports funding can make a real difference – not only to one athlete, but to the wider culture of sport in the area.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT Millie Lopes Guimaraes
You can follow Millie on her journey, on her @Millie_Lopes Instagram page.
If you would like to find out more, you can check out Union Thai on Instagram on the Union Thai Facebook page
About the Amazing Muay Thai World Festival
The Amazing Muay Thai World Festival is the official international amateur competition organised by WBC Muay Thai, bringing together developing athletes from around the world to compete, gain experience and showcase their skills on a global stage.
Hosted in a different country each year, the multi-day event provides a recognised pathway for amateur fighters, helping them progress towards professional competition and higher-level WBC Muay Thai titles.
The festival is widely regarded as one of the sport's premier development events, offering competitors the opportunity to test themselves against a diverse range of international styles while representing their clubs and countries.
Could a GYSLT Grant Help You?
Alfie’s journey shows what’s possible when determination meets community support. We offer grants of up to £500 to individuals, clubs and organisations across Great Yarmouth. Funding can be used for:
Equipment purchases
Club development
Youth development initiatives
Supporting individual athletes
Grants are awarded four times a year and require 30% match funding.
If you are an athlete chasing your next goal, a club looking to grow, or an organisation supporting community activity, we encourage you to apply.
Find out how you can apply for a grant, and view the application form, here >
