Twenty-five promising young athletes have received grant money to help them meet the costs of attending elite competitions in their chosen sport.

The Federal Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker MP, said the Federal Government’s Local Sporting Champions program provided financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-18 participating in state, national or international championships.

“Supporting a young athlete is hard work and families are doing it tough with the cost of living, this funding will make sure that our future sporting stars are given the head start they need,” Ms Coker said.

In Corangamite, funding was awarded to athletes competing in the disciplines of surfing, sailing, surf lifesaving, water polo, underwater hockey, and swimming, among others.

Fifteen-year-old Grovedale water polo champion Brandon Hayes will be returning to California this year in preparation for the Junior Olympics after receiving the grant.

National underwater hockey champion Sarah Joordens of Waurn Ponds also shared in the $15,400 worth of grants.

“We’ve used this grant to get to the state championships in Western Australia, it’s really taken the pressure off my family,” said Joordens.

Successful applicants receive $500-$750 towards the cost of attending their championships.

“We should be incredibly proud of these local young athletes who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the sports they compete in,” Ms Coker said.

Local Sporting Champions Round 4 grant applications are open until midnight on the 31st of March 2023.