LAST year Somerset sports charity TS5C provided £8,000 of funding to 18 young, aspiring athletes from across Somerset.

The local athletes who have secured further funding from TS5C in the latest round of grants include: swimmers Charlie Attwood and Beth Newton; track athletes Elliot Scott and Ronnie Wells; javelin (and Commonwealth Games competitor) Izzy Jeffs; and archer Jaibez Macriner . The latest addition is 17-year-old volleyball player Matthew White, from Minehead, who trains at Taunton Volleyball Club.

He has been selected to join seven other top junior English players at the National Volleyball Academy at Loughborough College, and has already competed for England in the NEVZA (North European Volleyball Zonal Association) tournament in Denmark.

Matthew said: “My immediate aim is to be a recognised starting six player for the next tournament for England.

“It’s great to have the support of TS5C. The grant will be really useful to help me through this academic year at Loughborough, plus it’s nice to know that someone else has confidence that I’ve got what it takes to do well.” TS5C chairman Alan Gloak said: “It is a real privilege to watch our young athletes rise up the ranks of their chosen field. “They are all at the stage of their sporting careers where they need to be nurtured and encouraged. Not only does our support help them out financially, it also demonstrates a belief in their talent which can be just as important.”

Archer Jaibez is a prime example. His family sent more than 200 requests to local companies looking for sponsorship to help towards the costs of training and equipment. TS5C was the only positive response they received. He is now ranked 1st in Somerset, 4th in Great Britain and 17th in Europe, and was crowned the TS5C Young Sports Achiever of the Year 2014.

Mr Gloak said: “Organisations are ready to put money into established, successful athletes, but it is at these crucial, early stages when it is most needed.

“Somerset certainly has its share of promising athletes but the cost of training, specialist equipment and attending competitions is daunting and often prohibitive.

“It is interesting to note that in the last Olympics, if Yorkshire had been classified as a country it would have come 12th in the list of medal winners!

“That’s an incredible statistic – and one which we wish to emulate in Somerset. But we’re not going to be able to rely on Government funds. We’re going to have to support our athletes ourselves. It’s a challenge but not insurmountable; we just need commitment from small local companies and individuals wanting to make a difference.”

To find out how to get involved, visit www.ts5c.org or email info@ts5c.org ATHLETES CURRENTLY RECEIVING FUNDING INCLUDE: Charlie Attwood, Swimming, Taunton Deane,1st at county, regional and national level in 50, 100 and 200m breast stroke. Selected for the British Swimming Podium Potential programme.

Izzy Jeffs, Javelin, Taunton, North Devon Athletics Club, finished 9th at the Commonwealth Games.

Jaibez Macriner, Archery ,Minehead ,West Somerset Company of Archers,1st in Somerset, 4th in Great Britain, 17th in Europe. TS5C Young Sports Achiever of the Year 2014.

Beth Newton, Swimming, TauntonStreet & District Swimming Club, 2013 qualified for European Youth Olympics with Team GB and won Silver & Bronze medals.

Elliot Scott, Track & Field, Watchet, Taunton Athletics Club,1st in South West for 400m.

Ronnie Wells, Track & Field, Wellington, Taunton Athletics Club, 1st U17 GB, 1st U17 European, 3rd U17 and 3rd U18 World rankings for 60m.

Matthew White, Volleyball, Minehead, Taunton Volleyball Club, competed for England. Selected for National Volleyball Academy at Loughborough College.