DEDICATED young amateur sportsmen and women across York can benefit from a pot of cash set aside to aid their progress.

A reminder has gone out to talented youngsters who live or go to school in York that grants are available from the York and District Sports Federation's 'Fund for the Gifted'.

The financial assistance would go towards covering costs of specialised coaching, travelling expenses and equipment.

Applicants must be aged 18 or under and be able to demonstrate a proven record of achievement or commitment to their chosen sport.

Those who have recently benefited from the fund include Carl Seamark, the goalminder for York Whitehawks roller hockey team. He has performed so well for the Whitehawks that he was selected to play for Great Britain Under-12s in the Global Games in Canada, with the Fund for the Gifted helping him achieve that aim.

Others to have benefited are swimmers Hannah Petts, aged 13, Sophie Glasby, 12, Rachel Eastaugh, 13, and Alice Sunderland, 14, who have represented York City Baths Club at county and national level.

Petts has won 11 Yorkshire titles this year, clocked eight national qualifying times and been selected to the 2005 World Class Potential Squad, and with Glasby recently competed successfully in the North Eastern Counties Championships, while Glasby, Eastaugh and Sunderland picked up six medals between them in last month's Winter Yorkshire Championships.

Anyone who feels they have the credentials to attain a grant should contact Paul Reed, of the York and District Sports Federation, on 01904 793747.

Updated: 10:19 Saturday, November 27, 2004