GetPRO Professional, an initiative by Danone North Europe, has opened applications for the latest round of its Grassroots Sports Nutrition grants in the UK, reinforcing its commitment to making evidence-based sports nutrition support more accessible beyond elite sport.

Delivered in proud partnership with The Nutrition Society, the programme offers grants of up to £2,000 (€2,338) to early-career sports nutritionists to deliver nutrition projects within grassroots sports clubs across the UK. The initiative aims to help practitioners gain valuable real-world experience while improving access to evidence-based nutrition advice for community athletes.

The latest round of funding comes as new nationwide research commissioned by GetPRO Professional highlights the continued need for greater nutrition support at grassroots level. The survey found that 77% of people involved in grassroots sport do not currently receive advice from a qualified sports nutritionist, while 86% believe the availability of dedicated nutrition support is limited.

The findings also reveal widespread concern over the growing gap between elite and amateur sport, with 85% believing there is a significant difference in the nutrition knowledge and support available, and more than one in three (37%) describing that gap as “very significant.”

While nutritional support is widely recognised as an important part of training, performance and recovery, the findings suggest many grassroots athletes are missing out on access to qualified advice that could help them put this into practice.

Funding remains one of the biggest barriers to dedicated nutrition support, with 59% saying budget constraints prevent athletes from accessing a sports nutritionist, while 38% cite a lack of qualified practitioners in their local area.

Many grassroots athletes are therefore turning elsewhere for nutrition advice. Almost a quarter (24%) say they currently rely on social media for sports nutrition information, despite 28% believing conflicting online advice makes it harder to know what to trust.

The study also highlighted gaps in sports nutrition knowledge. More than half (51%) are unsure of the recommended daily protein intake, despite 85% recognising protein is important for building muscle effectively.

Through GetPRO Professional, Danone is helping address these challenges by investing in the next generation of sports nutrition practitioners. Alongside the grant programme, the platform provides educational resources, expert-led content and professional development opportunities designed to support sports nutritionists throughout their careers while extending access to evidence-based nutrition advice within local communities.

Robert Browne, senior science communications manager at Danone North Europe, makers of GetPRO, says, “At Danone, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to benefit from evidence-based nutrition, regardless of whether they’re competing at elite level or participating in community sport.

“Our research highlights that access to expert nutrition support remains a challenge for many grassroots athletes. Through GetPRO Professional and our partnership with The Nutrition Society, we’re investing in the next generation of sports nutrition practitioners, helping them gain valuable experience while making trusted nutrition advice more accessible to clubs and communities across the UK.”

Encouragingly, almost two-thirds (62%) of people without access to a sports nutritionist believe having dedicated support would significantly improve their own, or their child’s, sporting experience.

The initiative forms part of Danone’s wider ambition to help more people benefit from evidence-based nutrition by supporting healthier, more active communities and expanding access to expert sports nutrition beyond elite sport.

Applications close on 30 September 2026. For more information visitwww.getpro.co.uk/getproprofessional/grassroots-grants.html.