Promising athletes in South Cambs looking to push their training to the next level can now apply for funding supporting future stars.

Promising athletes in South Cambs looking to push their training to the next level can now apply for funding supporting future stars.

A pot of £10,000 has been allocated from the Elite Athlete Award scheme grant, and up £2,000 could go to each successful applicant whether they are able-bodied or have a disability.

The idea is for funding awarded to be used to pay for equipment, training and travel. Applicants will be asked to set out how they will use the money to help them reach their sporting goals.

British diving champion, Ben Cutmore, 14 – from Abington Pigotts – was awarded £1,000 of last year’s cash.

He said: “My grant was a huge help in making sure I got the training I needed to progress in my sport.

“Without being able to up my game and train six days a week, I don’t think I would be where I am today.”

Grants will be awarded to sportsmen and women competing at every level, from regionally, right through to representing Team GB at world class events like the Olympics and Paralympics.

Councillor Mark Howell, the district council’s cabinet member responsible for the awards, said: “I’m really proud that the council is able to play a part in helping these talented sportsmen and women reach their potential.

“Hopefully this money will pay for that extra piece of equipment, the train tickets or tanks of petrol that will see even more South Cambridgeshire athletes reach the top of their game.”

Applications for the Elite Athlete award scheme can now be made, by people living South Cambs, at www.scambs.gov.uk/eliteathlete

The closing date for applications is November 30.