11 to 25 year olds who live in Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire can now apply for grants of up to £250 to help fulfil their sporting potential, thanks to the Sir Arthur Marshall Future Champions Programme, with applications administered by Cambridge City Council.
Sponsored by Marshall of Cambridge, in memory of Sir Arthur Marshall, the fund is open for applications until 5pm on Tuesday 3 October.
Talented young sports people who play the majority of their sport in Cambridge are encouraged to apply, with the funding intended to help alleviate the costs often associated with playing sport at a county or regional level. The funding could be used to cover the cost of things like coaching, equipment, training camps, travel and entry fees.
Where applications exceed the funding available, priority will be given to support young people playing sports that are represented at Olympic and Paralympic games.
Since the programme began, it has supported over 125 athletes competing in a range of sports including athletics, diving, equestrianism, ice skating, judo, kayaking, roller hockey, swimming, triathlon, table tennis, tennis and more. Several supported talented individuals have gone on to play cricket for Middlesex, and football for West Ham Ladies FC, along with others representing Great Britain in recent Paralympic games in para-cycling and goalball.
To be eligible for the funding, applicants need to:
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Be aged 11 to 25
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Compete at county or regional level
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Live in Cambridge or South Cambridgeshire
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Be training mostly in Cambridge.
Following the application deadline on 3 October, the judging panel for the programme meets to consider the applications received, and award grants of between £50 and £250. An awards ceremony will be held at Cambridge Airport on Thursday 9 November, and applicants will need to attend to receive the funding.
Cllr Mairéad Healy, Executive Councillor for Communities, said: “Thanks to Marshall of Cambridge for their continued support of this excellent programme. For talented athletes and their families, the bill can quickly add up, and so being able to provide some financial assistance to help young people pursue their passion and hone their talent is fantastic. I’m looking forward to the award ceremony in November to hear more about those young people who receive funding, and how the grants will help them take one step closer to their goals.”
