The next generation of talented local athletes, ambitious to compete at national and international level, have an opportunity to apply for financial and training support with Halo Sport Foundation.

The Foundation, run in conjunction with the national GLL Sport Foundation, gives sportsmen, women and children in the county crucial support.

It offers thousands of pounds worth of funding and free training opportunities to local people.

In 2015/16, 57 athletes in Herefordshire benefited from the Sport Foundation, all receiving free annual membership to Halo leisure centres across the county with some getting financial support too, this equated to almost £25,000.

Alex Haines, Halo’s Partnership Manager told the Ross Gazette:?“As a not for profit organisation and registered charity whose primary aim is to provide the local community with active leisure facilities, we are delighted to be offer support through the Sport Foundation.

We see it as an opportunity to put something back into the community that has supported us so well.”

Research shows 80% of these aspiring sports men and women have little funding to support their ambitions.

“Many of the county’s most talented sports people struggle to meet the rising costs of competition”, said Alex.

“The Foundation will assist local talented athletes towards achieving their full sporting potential by helping to reduce some of the financial burden of sporting costs.”

Rising local sporting stars have until February 20th, 2016 to apply for a share of the Sport Foundation support. Applications open on December 20th, 2015.

Application forms for the financial and training support, and for all the supporting information can be found by visiting the Halo Sport Foundation website halosportfoundation.org.uk