THE UK’s largest independent athlete support programme, the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) Awards, is urging top talents to get their applications in before the February 20 deadline.

Sportsmen and women from across the country can apply for a range of support awards which include financial help, access to sport facilities, physiotherapy, lifestyle mentoring and mental health aid.

Now in its 15th year of operation, the GSF has so far contributed over £14million and distributed 26,000 awards to support young athletes on their sporting journey. A number of previous award holders have gone on to excel in major competitions, gaining 76 Olympic and Paralympic medals and 77 Commonwealth Games medals.

Para tennis player Lily Mills (above), who is currently in Melbourne competing at the Australian Open Person with Intellectual Impairment Championships, is supported by the scheme.

The 23-year-old, who is from Islington, said: “I’m really excited about the new round of GSF Awards – for all young athletes out there like me, these awards can make a huge difference to us staying in training and competing at the highest level.”

Commenting on the closing of the application window, GSF chair Peter Bundey said: “Previous athletes tell us the awards provide a lifeline to individuals who want to compete at the highest level as well as helping local communities discover the opportunities and enrichment that comes through sport.”

Applications are open via the website portal: www.gllsportfoundation.org