WITH the excitement of the World Cup and Commonwealth Games now behind us, many ambitious young athletes are turning their attention back to training, competition and the next big challenge.

Pursuing sporting excellence often comes with significant costs, from travel and accommodation to equipment and competition fees. For talented young sportspeople, financial support can make a real difference.

Cofio Robin is a charitable trust that provides grants to athletes under the age of 25 from Gwynedd and Conwy who are striving to reach the highest levels in their chosen sports. Since its launch, the charity has distributed more than £120,000 to over 120 individuals across 30 different sporting disciplines.

Anyone who knows a young athlete facing the financial pressures of training and competing is encouraged to visit www.cofiorobin.co.uk, where details about the charity and its application process can be found. Application forms are available online and must be submitted by 10 October.

A spokesperson for Cofio Robin said: “We are extremely proud to have supported four athletes who represented their countries at the Commonwealth Games: swimmers Medi Harris and Ela Letton-Jones, weightlifter Catrin Haf Jones and wheelchair basketball player Alex Marshall-Wilson.

“All four performed with distinction, while Ela's silver medal was a particularly memorable achievement.

“We are also proud to have supported Mared Griffiths, the talented footballer from Trawsfynydd who plays for Sunderland and has become a regular member of the Wales squad.

“It is hugely rewarding to help young athletes pursue their ambitions, and we look forward to supporting the next generation of sporting stars.”

The charity was established in memory of Robin Llyr Evans, who tragically died following an accident while working for Hawk-Eye at a newly built stadium in Wuhan, China.

His family wanted to create a lasting tribute that reflected Robin's passion for life, his love of sport and his commitment to helping others.