The Duke of York Sports Foundation

The Duke of York Sports Foundation is a registered charity established in 2004 to promote amateur sport for the benefit of young people and raise funds to support and facilitate:

• The Duke of York Young Champions Trophy
• Academic and Golf Scholarships

The Duke of York Young Champions Trophy has been organised by JSA Limited since the tournament’s inception in 2001 by HRH The Duke of York and John Simpson.

The event continues to grow in stature and reputation internationally offering a unique opportunity for under 18 boy and girl champions from around the world to compete for the same trophy whilst experiencing the challenges of a top UK links course. 57 champions (32 boys and 25 girls) from 34 countries participated in 2009 with Moriya Jutanugarn of Thailand becoming the first girl to win the tournament.

Supported by the R & A and their affiliated Golf Federations, this event also endeavours to encourage the development of junior golf in both developed and emerging golfing countries.


Academic and Golf Scholarships have been awarded since September 2007 to provide under 18 boys and girls with the opportunity to receive a high standard of education whilst at the same time focusing on their golf and offer an alternative to studying and training in the USA.

Wellington College in Berkshire was chosen as the school that met all the criteria required to support both aspects of the scholarship. As one of the best co-educational independent schools in Britain, it offers the International Baccalaureate, a good standard 9-hole golf course and practice facility on site whilst being located near many excellent courses (including Wentworth and Sunningdale), coaches and major airports. Candidates must meet Wellington College’s academic standard, demonstrate a high level of golfing ability with clear signs of potential and are selected on a case by case basis.

Currently six scholarships have been awarded to Sam Williams, Murray Rose, Edward and Alexandra Peters, Jordan Mann and Heidi Baek. All the scholars are 16 or 17 with handicaps ranging from 4 to +2. Edward Peters is captain of golf at Wellington College and Heidi Baek, who is the most recent scholar, plays off a +2 handicap and, along with Alexandra Peters, are members of the English Women’s Performance Squad. The Foundation’s aim is to award between eight and ten scholarships to individuals by 2011.

Funds for The Duke of York Sports Foundation are raised through the generosity of companies and individuals at fund raising events such as the annual Swinley Forest Golf Day in May and the Sponsors’ 2-day golf tournament in September (2010 Royal St. George’s and Royal Cinque Ports; 2011 Royal Liverpool Golf Club).

For further information on the Scholarships click here

The Duke of York Sports Foundation Advisory Board Members are:
HRH The Duke of York, John Simpson, Stephen Ross, Lewine Mair, Raffy Manoukian, Tim van Delden, Tony Hill, Anthony Biggins and Amanda Thirsk

Golf Monthly Magazine Article
( May 2009 )

Golf Monthly Magazine Article
(October 2007)