Cornish Teen Applies for Sports Funding While Training in Australia

Eighteen year old Alex Caddy from Looe is applying for GLL Sport Foundation funding while taking part in a high performance sports programme in Australia.

Alex is currently on a 10 week programme at the Root Academy in Adelaide, where he is focusing on elite cricket training. At the same time, he continues to balance competitive swimming alongside his cricket career.

Training from Cornwall to Australia

Now based in Adelaide for the winter, Alex Caddy is again applying for GLL Sport Foundation support, which provides free access to GLL leisure facilities across the UK.

“GSF support means I can go to the gym or pool whenever I want to and that’s really helped me with my swimming and with preparations for Australia,” he said.

He described the programme at the Root Academy as demanding but rewarding.

“The programme I’m on at the Root Academy is intensive and was a challenge when I started. It involves technical, tactical, physical and psychological cricket training and now that I’ve adapted, I’m enjoying every minute.”

Strong Sporting Roots in Cornwall

Back in Cornwall, Alex plays cricket for Menheniot-Looe Cricket Club and played a key role in the team winning the Division 3 league title in 2025.

Alongside cricket, he is also a committed swimmer with Caradon Swimming Club, training up to five times a week. He has qualified for both regional and national swimming competitions during 2025.

“I’ve been playing competitive cricket for about five years and train at least twice a week in Cornwall,” he said. “I also swim with Caradon Swimming Club up to 5 times a week and have qualified for regional and national swimming competitions this year.”

Looking Ahead to University Sport

With university starting in September, Alex has clear ambitions across both disciplines.

“I’m heading to university in September and want to compete in British Universities and Colleges Sport events in each of my two disciplines. Hopefully that will then lead to me being selected onto further pathways to compete at a national or international level, or into a career within the sporting industry.”

Support from GLL and GSF

The GLL Sport Foundation operates under the Better brand. GLL runs nine leisure centres in Cornwall on behalf of the council and supports local athletes through the foundation.

“It’s wonderful to help people like Alex progress their sporting talent,” said Karen Edmond, GLL Community Sport Manager. “I wish him every success at the Root Academy and look forward to hearing about more of his achievements in the months and years to come.”

In 2025, 144 Cornwall based athletes across 23 sports received GLL Sport Foundation support worth £92,150. Applications for 2026 are now open.

More information and application details can be found on the GLL Sport Foundation website at https://www.gllsportfoundation.org/