BOROUGH sports clubs and promising young athletes are being invited to apply for special grants currently on offer from Sandwell Council.

Cash is available to help them achieve their dreams through Sandwell's Cash for Sports Clubs scheme.

There is also cash available for inspirational youngsters under the Gifted and Talented programme.

Clubs can apply for up to £500 to help supply kit and equipment and up to £1,500 to help expand membership and increase the number of Sandwell residents being active.

There's also £500 on offer for young elite athletes to help them obtain better equipment.

So far, Sandwell Council has supported 20 athletes in a variety of sports ranging from athletics, swimming, hockey, tennis, gymnastics, table tennis and karate.

As a result, Sandwell has helped local sports people compete at national, European and world levels.

Applications for club grants should be made by Friday, May 17 by going to

sandwell.gov.uk/cashforsportsclubs

or for young individual athletes at

sandwell.gov.uk/giftedandtalented

The scheme has been running since 2014 and more than £70,000 has been granted to around 70 clubs helping them to finance kit, equipment and coaching courses.

With the Commonwealth Games fast approaching, Sandwell hopes to have plenty of home grown athletes competing on home ground.