Your chance to apply for council's sports fund cash

The Sports Fund aims to help talented individuals overcome the financial barriers associated with being an international level athlete, as well as helping local clubs to encourage more people to get involved in sport and recruit and develop new and existing coaches and volunteers.

The Sports Fund is open for applications now, with funding available as follows:

Grants of up to £400 for Talented Athletes who have represented their country in a sport recognised by Sport England within the last eight months and/or are ranked in the top five nationally in their age group. To apply go to www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/talentedathletes

Grants of up to £2,000 over two years for Club Development projects to help increase the number of people taking part, recruit and develop more volunteers and contribute to recognised qualifications for coaches. To apply, go to www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/clubdevelopment

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday, August 1.

Talented Athlete grants can be for a variety of uses, including specialist coaching, competition entry fees for individuals or facility hire and extra equipment for clubs.

Previous recipients of funding from the County Council have included gymnasts Sam Oldham, Becky Downie and Ellie Downie, swimmers Ollie Hynd and Charlotte Henshaw, Paralympians Richard Whitehead and Sophie Wells and rising tennis star, Freya Christie.

Councillor Joyce Bosnjak, Chairman of the Grant Aid Sub-Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Our Sports Fund grant schemes create opportunities for people to take part in sport at a grassroots level and provide essential support to our most talented athletes, whose success inspires others from throughout the county.

“The County Council has a proud record of supporting both sports clubs and individuals over many years, which has contributed towards the amazing success enjoyed by Nottinghamshire’s sportsmen, women and teams in recent times.

“I am proud that Nottinghamshire County Council continues to value sport and play an important role in helping local athletes and clubs succeed.”

One of the recipients of Talented Athletes funding in 2015/16 was Ashleigh Plumptre of Notts County Ladies.

Rushcliffe-based Ashleigh, who has represented England at U17 and U19 level, said: “The funding provided a huge benefit to me.

“Whether I’m training or attending strength and conditioning or physio clinics, it’s seven days a week, so the grant helps with the financial burden, especially transport costs, nutrition and equipment. It means I can focus on developing as a player.”