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Hackney Council’s Youth Sports Fund has granted over £186,000 towards the development of young athletes since it began in 2007. The latest round of funding has supported 13 young people, some of whom have gone on to represent Great Britain and win international medals.

The fund is given to young people with sporting potential who live or go to school in the borough to help them fund lessons and equipment and compete in national and international competitions. Funding is also available to community clubs that wish to provide provision and opportunities in sports for young people.

Ruby Davies, 10, from Victoria Park first started diving for fun on a week long holiday course at the London Aquatics Centre. Ruby’s mother, Karen, explained that “discovering Ruby has a passion and talent for diving was a total surprise to Ruby and my family. While we’re happy to support Ruby with her diving there are lots of costs involved in training, kit, competitions and travel. There’s no denying that this award will really help us.”

Another Hackney Youth Sports Fund recipient and multiple international medal winner in kayaking, Noah Dembele, 17, said: “I have gained valuable experience racing internationally and aspire to one day qualify for the Olympic Games. However, as with any sport, support is a big part of achieving great goals. This is why the backing of my birth borough is so important to help me in my pursuit to have the best possible chance of seeing these dreams realised.”

In addition to the financial aid of the grant any young person who is presented with a Gold or Silver award will also receive a fully paid or half price membership respectively at one of the GLL run London leisure centres courtesy of GLL, the organisation managing Hackney Council’s leisure centres.

Women’s Team GB under-23 rafting team member and sports fund awardee, Vanessa Humphrey, 21, said: "It is great having support from the Hackney Youth Sports Fund as they have helped me grow into a better athlete by providing me with new equipment like new quality paddles to train on harder and bigger water. The funding I have received will go towards competition and training fees so I can progress to the premier division in canoe slalom."