Funding for talented up-and-coming athletes, who want to follow in the footsteps of Nottinghamshire sporting superstars Mary Earps and Stuart Broad, have until 31 December 2023 to apply for funding to help overcome potential financial hurdles.

Grants up to £1,000 are still available via Nottinghamshire County Council’s Talented Athletes Fund for budding stars who have represented their country at national events in the last 24 months, which include a range of Sport England-recognised sports – from speed skating to swimming and fencing to table tennis.

The grants are part of an overall funding pot worth up to £50,000 and the closing date for applications is Sunday 31 December 2023.  Funding will be allocated to successful applicants from next April 2024.

Councillor Scott Carlton, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health, said: “We are very keen to try and help as many of the county’s talented sports people as possible.

“In 2023, a record number of applications were received and it would be fantastic if we can surpass this for the 2024 programme.

“Coaching and related costs are rising, making training and competing in performance sport very challenging.

“The road to realising potential is never easy and I commend all Nottinghamshire sports people for their devotion and will to strive for their dreams.

“If you haven’t already applied, then don't miss out. Please complete an application whilst the fund is still open.”

Athletes who benefitted from previous funding rounds include indoor cricketer Lawrence Burton, from Ravenshead who recently featured on BBC East Midlands Today.

Lawrence has been travelling to Birmingham in recent years for training, coaching and matches. He said: “Initially, I applied to the Talented Athletes Fund to help my family with the expenses.

“This all proved to be worth it as, in April, I was selected to play for the England under 17 squad in the Junior World Series held in Dubai. The tournament was an amazing experience, and it has motivated me to further improve my skills and aim higher still.”

Lawrence's proud dad, Colin, said playing in an international tournament was the realisation of long-time ambition for his son.

He said: “The national governing body (England and Wales Cricket Board) supports the team with publicity and by allowing the players to wear the three lions on their playing kit.

“However, with a lack of national funding, parents were expected to find almost £3,000 for the summer training, equipment and the tour itself.

“Most importantly, Lawrence had the Nottinghamshire County Council logo on the bat, training kit and his kit bag. The Talented Athletes Fund was a great help to us.”

Another Nottinghamshire athlete to benefit from the fund is Southwell-based England Athletics hurdler, Zoe Smith.

She said: ''I am so grateful that Nottinghamshire County Council recognised my potential and supported me through the Talented Athletes Fund.

“It has enabled me to purchase training and competition kit, as well as allowing me to pay for the essential strength and conditioning training plus physiotherapy.

“I set out to achieve an international vest in 2023 and the funding has certainly helped me achieve this.''

Zoe's dad and coach Kevin said the Talented Athletes Fund provides a wonderful opportunity for young aspiring sports people to fund additional costs of their training.

He said: “No sport is cheap and requires a whole host of elements from top quality kit and facilities but equally if not more importantly the best quality of support services in conditioning and rehab available.

“Zoe's success in 2023 is in part down to the funding provided for which we are most grateful.''

Bingham swimmer Lewis Warner said the funding he has received proved to be hugely beneficial.

He said: “The £500 I received allowed me to train to a higher standard, enter more competitions, cover travel costs, coaching fees and I’ll definitely be applying for it again.”

Kerryn Chamberlin, Strategic Director of Active Notts, has encouraged budding athletes from across the county to apply for funding via the scheme.

“These grants can really help overcome some of the financial challenges that competitive sport creates for people, such as travel expenses, equipment, coaching fees or even gym memberships,” said Kerryn.

“For our local athletes, this opportunity might be their path towards competing at the Olympics, Paralympics, or Special Olympics, and is not one to be missed.”

For more information or to apply for funding visit

Local Communities Fund: Talented Athletes | Nottinghamshire County Council