Cash prizes are up for grabs to help south Norfolk's Olympic hopefuls of the future with their training costs.South Norfolk Council has �13,500 to award to the district's rising sporting stars as well as the area's volunteer coaches.

Cash prizes are up for grabs to help south Norfolk's Olympic hopefuls of the future with their training costs.

South Norfolk Council has �13,500 to award to the district's rising sporting stars as well as the area's volunteer coaches.

The South Norfolk Community Sport Achiever Award, which has been running for three years, is open to youngsters aged 18 or under who are competing at county or regional level in their chosen sport.

They can apply for up to �200 each to put towards their training costs and will be named as an ambassador to inspire other children in the district to take up sport.

This year's new Community Coach Development Bursary now extends the financial support to volunteer coaches, aged 16 and over, wishing to take their Level Two and Three coaching qualifications.

The scheme can award up to �300 per coach or 75pc of the total course costs, depending on which is lower.

Martin Wilby, South Norfolk Council deputy leader, said: 'We have a total of �13,500 to award in these two initiatives which really underline our commitment to sport and young people.

'The talented youngsters we support are the pride of South Norfolk and we are confident that some may one day compete for Britain in the Olympics.

'As ambassadors, they are also an inspiration to other young people to get into sport and a lead a fit and active life.'

South Norfolk Council is working with the Norfolk Community Foundation to deliver the grants. The deadline for applications is July 30.

For more information or to apply, visit www.norfolkfoundation.com