Vale’s Sally selected for prestigious academy place

Stott is in world class-company on the programme, with the likes of Jade Jones, who won gold at the Olympic Games in 2012 in London in taekwondo, one of the first recipients of an Academy of Sport bursary back in 2010.

The 18-year-old, who has already enjoyed international recognition by competing for England Under-20s, recently attended the world famous Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials where she got to rub shoulders with 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Jason Robinson.

Just 276 star athletes have been awarded with an Academy bursary since 2010, with around a third progressing to professional or world-class funding level.

The Lancaster Girls Grammar School pupil, attached to the Vale of Lune rugby club, said: “The main thing for me being part of the Jaguar Land Rover Academy of Sport is the financial aid that they give you.

“It just means that I have more exposure to the training that I need to progress my sport through the Under-20s and into the seniors.

“Also the workshop that they run gives you the support you might not be able to access on your own.

“I got to ask Jason Robinson a few questions and being a rugby player he’s always been quite a big role model.”

The Jaguar Land Rover Academy of Sport is an initiative which aims to recognise, celebrate and inspire the next generation of British sporting talent through a world-class mentoring programme.

This year the Academy has provided bursaries to 50 young and inspirational able-bodied and disabled athletes, who are recognised as being top of their game

As well as offering financial support, a mentoring and education programme provides these rising star athletes with the non-financial support they need to help them on their road to success.

Jaguar Land Rover Academy of Sport rising star rugby athlete Marcus Street was invited to Land Rover Burghley Horse Trails event to meet with ambassador Jason Robinson for an exclusive mentoring Q&A. For more information on the Academy visit sportsaid.org.uk