Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has encouraged young sportspeople to apply for $500 grants to help with their costs.

Applications for funding under Round 3 for 2015/16 of the Federal Government’s Local Sporting Champions programme close on February 29, 2016.

Mr Taylor said the grants were available to young people between 12 and 18 years of age who compete at a state, national or international level and who need to travel more than 250km (return) to take part in their chosen sport.

“The money can be put towards equipment, fees, uniforms, training or transportation. We have a wealth of young sporting talent in Hume and it is great to see so many kids representing themselves and their town at an advanced level.”

Mr Taylor congratulated successful applicants from Collector, Goulburn, Gundaroo, Sutton, Wamboin and The Oaks, under the most recent round.

10 young sportspeople from Hume were awarded $500 grants in Round 2 of the programme for this financial year: Katelyn Staples and Heidi Staples Collector (Equestrian), Tamika Wallace Goulburn (Cycling), Manessah Humphries Goulburn (Soccer), Jayde Howard Goulburn (Rugby Union), Finley Hegyi Gundaroo (Athletics), Andrea Biondic Sutton (Pony Clubs), Rhys Smith, Sutton (Pony Clubs), Rachael Downey The Oaks (Hockey), Brianna Smith Wamboin (Pony Clubs).

To lodge an application in the current round please visit http://www.ausport.gov.au/participating/local_sporting_champions

Caption: Federal Member for Hume, Angus Taylor presenting young athletes from Goulburn and Collector with $500 Local Sporting Champions grants (L-R) Jayde Howard,Tamika Wallace, Mannesah Humphries, Heidi and Katelyn Staples.