YOUNG athletes can apply for a share of a £1million pot to support their careers.

The GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) is awarding grants of up to £1,250 to support people over the next year.

Last year, the GSF supported 73 athletes in Barnet, across 22 different sports.

The programme will also support athletes set to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including Team GB fencer James Andrew-Davis.

He said: “The support from the GSF without doubt has enabled me to continue training at the level I have been. It has provided the support which helped me attend some international training camps with world class athletes, crucial to my development.

“I want to continue to represent GB at the highest level, also importantly I hope that my success encourages younger fencers in Britain to aim high and have the opportunity to represent their country on the international circuit.”

The foundation says more than 90 per cent of award recipients receive no other centralised funding.

GSF chairman Peter Bundey said: “It is crucial that we support the talent and enthusiasm of our young sporting stars. We can help young athletes bridge the difficult leap from regional to national and international level as they start to become ready for senior competition”.

Tim Lawler, chief executive of SportsAid, which also helps deliver the programme, said: “Working with the GLL Sport Foundation enables us to help more young athletes and ensure the right people are funded at the right time.”

To be eligible for a grant, athletes must live or be educated in Barnet. People can also be eligible if their sports club has a training base at a GLL venue.

The deadline for applications is February 20.

For more information, visit www.gllsportfoundation.org