October marks the start of a new exciting partnership for the Future Champions programme with the Sir Arthur Marshall Grass Roots Fund agreeing to sponsor the programme for the next three years.

The Cambridge Future Champions programme is designed to help fund gifted and talented able-bodied and disabled young athletes competing at county or regional level, living in Cambridge city, the opportunity of a grant to aid in their coaching and training.

The programme is open to all athletes aged 11 to 25 to help support their evolving talent and assist with costs to allow them achieve excellence within their sport.

The Future Champions judging panel meets twice every year to consider applications and those who are successful can qualify for between £100 to £500 towards coaching and equipment costs to aid them their chosen sport. The money is often put towards sports equipment, transport costs and tournament entry fees.

Since the programme began Cambridge City Council has been fortunate to fund a variety of athletes competing in a range different sports including swimming, triathlon, athletics, roller hockey, kayaking and many more. To date, thirty young athletes have received grants since the programme began.

Councillor Rod Cantrill, Executive Councillor for Arts, Sport and Public Places, said: “This excellent partnership with the Sir Arthur Marshall Grass Roots Fund will enable the Future Champions programme to continue to provide funds to talented young athletes from around the city, and enable them to have access to better training opportunities, equipment, and help them progress and excel in their chosen sports.

“These young people are all up-and-coming athletes, and with continued support could well be our future Olympians and Paralympians in Rio 2016.”

For more information about the scheme, read the City Council’s funding for sport page.