Strike gold with cash for future sports stars

South Cambridgeshire sports stars of the future can now apply for a share of £16,700 of funding to help them reach their full potential.

The funding has been announced by South Cambridgeshire District Council in a continuation of its Elite Athlete Grant Scheme. Since 2009, over 80 young talented sports performers have been awarded more than £56,000 to support their sporting dreams.

Grants of up to £2,000 are available to support athletes at all stages of their sporting careers, whether they are competing regionally, making steady progress at national level or representing GB in world class events.

Rhodri Furlong, a Histon-based hockey player was awarded £500 from the scheme last year and went on to captain Wales in the under 18s at the European Championships. He says: “The grant gave me the opportunity to fully commit to the Welsh programme where I gained access to a wide range of support and went on to complete internationally. Without the Council’s support, this may not have been possible.”

Cllr Mick Martin, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for sport, said: “I’m very pleased to announce the continuation of this scheme and look forward to awarding grants to more exceptional young sportspeople with South Cambridgeshire connections. The talent and dedication shown by our Elite Athletes like Rhodri is phenomenal, and I’m very proud of the part we have played in supporting so many young people to excel in their chosen sport.”

For more information about the scheme and an application form visit www.scambs.gov.uk/elite-athlete-award-scheme or call 03450 450 500. The deadline for the next round of applications is Wednesday 31 December 2014 and awards will be made by 31 Jan 2015. Previous applicants may apply.