The Switch the Play Foundation is the UK’s only charity dedicated to supporting all sportspeople to successfully transition into life outside of sport. This enables them to fulfil their potential through and beyond sport.
Ready for what’s next?
Applications are open until 14th July for the Evolve & Thrive, a fully-funded nine-month programme supporting former professional athletes with mentoring, career support and a bursary of up to £1,000.
FIND OUT MOREChallenge yourself in 2026 and fundraise to help athletes thrive beyond sport
From the Brighton and Manchester Marathons to 10-mile runs, half marathons and two European cycle challenges, our 2026 calendar offers something for every challenger. Push your limits while fundraising for Switch the Play Foundation and helping athletes build positive futures beyond sport.
Bath Half Marathon
Starting and finishing in the heart of the World Heritage City of Bath, this flat, PB-friendly half marathon takes place on Sunday, 14th March 2027, taking you on a scenic route through the city supported by cheering crowds, live music and an electric race-day atmosphere. Charity places are available for £40 entry, with a £400 fundraising target in support of Switch the Play Foundation.
Great South Run - 10 miles
Take on the iconic Great South Run on Sunday, 18th October 2026. Starting in Southsea, Portsmouth, this fast, flat 10-mile coastal route offers sea views, live music and an electric atmosphere to keep you going from start to finish. Charity places are £20 entry with a £300 fundraising target in support of Switch the Play Foundation.
Brighton Marathon
Be part of the UK’s third largest marathon on Sunday, 4th April 2027. Starting in Preston Park and finishing on the Brighton seafront, this vibrant course combines coastal views with cheering crowds and an unbeatable race-day atmosphere. Charity places are available for £40 entry, with a minimum fundraising target of £600 in support of Switch the Play Foundation.
Shaping Life After Rugby
Champions 2003 and Switch the Play have joined forces to transform life after rugby for professional players. Through mentoring, wellbeing support and career development, we're helping athletes thrive off the pitch and build exciting new futures.
FIND OUT MORERedefining Life After Sport
Discover real stories from athletes who have navigated the transition beyond sport. Hear their experiences and insights to better understand what to expect and how to prepare for your next chapter.
Who we work with
Sportspeople
Players and athletes across all sports, at any stage of their career. It’s never too early to prepare.
Sporting Organisations
Those who have a duty of care to sportspeople including national governing bodies, sports organisations, player care managers, coaches and parents.
Corporate Partners
Partners support and help develop our programmes through funding and the creation of opportunities for the sportspeople that we work with.
Our Vision and Mission
Our vision is of a world where every sportsperson fulfils their potential at every stage of their lives. It is our mission to empower sportspeople to be their best through and beyond sport by providing person-centred training, wellbeing and transition support.
Leaving a life in sport can be really tough. Not all sportspeople win gold medals, international caps nor million-pound contracts and when their sporting careers come to an end most will need to start a second career. The evidence shows that for some, this transition can also lead to a loss of identity, a lack of purpose and financial and mental health struggles.
Latest News
England Futsal join forces with Switch the Play to provide athletes with support for life in performance sport
Posted on: 18 June 2026
Beyond the Final Whistle: Switch the Play Calls for Greater Support for Scotland's Elite Athletes
Posted on: 10 June 2026
Switch the Play and Barclays Launch Exclusive Athlete Transition Programme Opening Doors to Careers in Banking
Posted on: 14 May 2026
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