In accordance with the United Kingdom’s Immigration Rules Appendix, the following is a detailed enumeration of the authorised governing bodies empowered to issue endorsements for International Sportsperson Visas. These bodies are recognised by the Home Office and are the sole entities permitted to grant such endorsements.
Authorised Governing Bodies:
- Aikido: British Aikido
- American Football (England, Scotland, Wales): British American Football Association
- Archery: Archery GB
- Athletics: UK Athletics
- Badminton (England only): Badminton England
- Badminton (Scotland only): Badminton Scotland
- Baseball / Softball: BaseballSoftballUK (BSUK)
- Basketball (England, Scotland, Wales): Basketball England
- Basketball (Northern Ireland): Basketball Ireland
- Boxing: British Boxing Board of Control
- Canoeing: British Canoeing
- Chinese Martial Arts: British Council for Chinese Martial Arts
- Cricket (England, Wales): England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
- Cricket (Scotland): Cricket Scotland
- Cricket (Northern Ireland): Cricket Ireland
- Curling: Royal Caledonian Curling Club
- Cycling: British Cycling
- Darts: The Darts Regulation Authority
- Equestrianism: British Horse Society
- Fencing: British Fencing
- Field Hockey (England): England Hockey
- Field Hockey (Scotland): Scottish Hockey Union
- Field Hockey (Wales): Welsh Hockey Union
- Field Hockey (Northern Ireland): Hockey Ireland
- Football (England): The Football Association
- Football (Scotland): Scottish Football Association
- Football (Wales): The Football Association of Wales
- Football (Northern Ireland): Irish Football Association
- Gymnastics: British Gymnastics
- Handball: British Handball
- Ice Hockey: Ice Hockey (UK)
- Ice Skating: British Ice Skating
- Jockeys and Trainers: British Horseracing Authority
- Judo: British Judo Association
- Kabaddi: England Kabaddi Federation (UK) Registered
- Lacrosse: English Lacrosse
- Motorcycling (except speedway): Auto-cycle Union
- Motorsports: Motorsport UK
- Netball (Wales): Wales Netball
- Netball (England): England Netball
- Netball (Northern Ireland): Netball Northern Ireland
- Netball (Scotland): Netball Scotland
- Polo: Hurlingham Polo Association
- Rowing: British Rowing
- Rugby League: Rugby Football League
- Rugby Union (England): Rugby Football Union
- Rugby Union (Scotland): Scottish Rugby Union
- Rugby Union (Wales): Welsh Rugby Union
- Rugby Union (Northern Ireland): IRFU (Ulster Branch)
- Sailing, windsurfing and powerboating: Royal Yachting Association
- Shooting: British Shooting
- Snooker: The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association
- Speedway: British Speedway Promoters Association
- Squash and racketball (England): England Squash
- Squash and racketball (Scotland): Scottish Squash
- Swimming, water polo, diving and synchronised swimming (England, Scotland, Wales): British Swimming
- Swimming, water polo, diving and synchronised swimming (Northern Ireland): Swim Ulster
- Table Tennis: Table Tennis England
- Taekwondo: GB Taekwondo
- Tennis (lawn tennis): Lawn Tennis Association
- Tennis (real tennis and rackets): Tennis & Rackets Association
- Triathlon: British Triathlon
- Volleyball (England): Volleyball England
- Volleyball (Scotland): Scottish Volleyball
- Wheelchair Basketball: British Wheelchair Basketball
- Wrestling: British Wrestling Association
- Yoga: The British Wheel of Yoga
These bodies are responsible for the assessment and endorsement of international athletes seeking to enter the United Kingdom for the purpose of sport. Each body has jurisdiction over its respective sport throughout the entirety of the UK unless otherwise specified, with some bodies having territorial limitations.
The aforementioned list is comprehensive and inclusive, covering a wide array of sports from mainstream activities such as football and cricket to less conventional sports like aikido and kabaddi. This inclusivity ensures that athletes from diverse disciplines are afforded the opportunity to contribute to the UK’s rich sporting culture.
The systematic arrangement of these governing bodies underscores the UK’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive sporting environment. It is a testament to the nation’s dedication to nurturing international talent and promoting a diverse array of sporting events.
This article has been crafted to provide a clear and concise overview of the UK’s sports endorsement bodies, integral to the visa application process for international sportspersons. It serves to guide and inform prospective applicants of the authorised channels through which endorsements can be obtained.
If you have further questions on how to apply for the International Sports Person Visa, get in touch with Morgan Smith Immigration on 02039593335 or email us directly on [email protected]
