On Tuesday 11 November, Cambridge Airport played host to an inspiring celebration of young sporting talent at the Sir Arthur Marshall Future Champions Award Ceremony.
Thirty athletes aged between 11 and 25, from Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire, were each awarded a grant of £100 to help them pursue their dreams of competing at the highest level.
Special guest Louis Rolfe, a Paralympic track cyclist and former Future Champions grant recipient, joined the celebration to share his inspiring journey and encourage the next generation of athletes.
This year’s recipients represent a wide range of sports, including rhythmic gymnastics, ice hockey, netball, trampolining, diving, swimming, tennis, hockey, table tennis, and athletics. All athletes compete at county or regional level and demonstrate exceptional dedication to their sport.
Cllr Mike Todd-Jones, Cabinet Member for Safety, Wellbeing and Tackling Homelessness said: "I want to congratulate all the young athletes who have received awards this year – you are an inspiration to your communities and to the future of sport in Cambridge.
“We know that money can often be a barrier to success in sport, and that shouldn’t be the case. Talent and determination should never be limited by financial circumstances. That’s why we’re so proud to play a role in reducing inequality and helping young people access the coaching, equipment, and opportunities they need to thrive."
"It's particularly important to me that opportunities – such as those supported by the Sir Arthur Marshall Grass Roots Fund – are available so that we can support the next generation to fulfil their dreams."
Kristi Hull, ice skater and one of the recipients of this year’s Future Champions grant, said: “This award will help me so much to achieve my dreams. I absolutely loved the award ceremony and enjoyed meeting all the very talented athletes from Cambridge.
“I would also like to thank Louis Rolfe for his very inspiring speech – it was great to meet you. As always, a massive thank you to everyone who supports me.”
A legacy of support for local athletes
The Future Champions programme was established in 2010 in memory of Sir Arthur Marshall, a passionate advocate for sport and community development. Since its inception, the Sir Arthur Marshall Grass Roots Fund has supported more than 250 young athletes from Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire.
Sponsored by Marshall of Cambridge and administered by Cambridge City Council, the fund aims to remove financial barriers for talented individuals striving to reach their full potential.
The grants can be used for a wide range of essential expenses, including:
- Coaching and specialist training
- Attendance at training camps
- Travel costs to competitions and training sessions
- Purchase of specialist equipment
For many families, these costs can be significant, and the support provided by the fund helps ensure that talent and dedication – not financial circumstances – determine an athlete’s success.
