A SCHOLARSHIP has been set up to help the sporting stars of the future.

Glasgow based Wheatley Group, a leading housing, care and regeneration organisation, is providing £1000 a year to help young people with travel expenses.

The money will also help them buy the kit they need.

Olga Clayton, Wheatley's director of housing and care, said: "We want to give our young people the support they need to fulfil their ambitions.

"We also hope they will inspire other young people in our communities to follow in their footsteps."

One of the first people to benefit is Christian Mankodila.

Athlete Christian, 17, from the Gallowgate, who is at Glasgow School of Sport, said: "My ambition is to compete at the Commonwealth Games. I need to continually train and the scholarship will allow me to do this."

Also benefiting are athlete Sharon Jakisa, 18, from Knightswood, who also attends the School of Sport, and swimmer and former pupil Chloe Barclay, 16, from Alexandria.

School of Sport director Angela Porter said: "The scholarship is a superb opportunity for young talented athletes to receive support in their quest for sporting success."

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk