The initiative is designed to prepare future stars of Team GB and Paralympics GB for the rigours of life as a professional athlete.

They will be making use of the experiences of former Olympic and Paralympic medallists, who will be sharing their experience and hints with the aspiring athletes.

The scheme will provide tangible financial and practical support, giving awards of £1,000 ($1,633) towards the careers of those involved in the programme.

Research conducted by SportsAid has shown that the cost of pursuing a career in sport is the single biggest factor which prevents talented youngsters from making it as professionals.

Those on the programme will be able to learn about a number of facets of life as a professional sports person, including how to deal with the media, life during a major sporting competition, using social media and how to make effective use of sports psychology.

Jonathan Edwards, the 2000 Olympic triple jump champion and world record holders, said: "Funding is one of the most important factors in the success of any aspiring athlete, but being able to deal with the media attention and sacrifices that go with pursuing a career at the top cannot be underestimated.

"I was lucky enough to receive a SportsAid grant when I was coming through and now, with the Local Heroes initiative extending the support network even further, we are helping the next generation of British stars to be even better prepared for the spotlight."

Since the start of the scheme Lloyds has supported 778 potential stars of the future, and will have exceeded 1,000 by the time next year's Games begin.

Of those involved to date, 49 have made it onto the government's Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS), with 82 receiving World Class Lottery support.


Sebastian Coe, chairman of London 2012said: "Lloyds TSB Local Heroes has been one of the real success stories of London 2012, with several of the athletes starting out on the programme going on to compete for Great Britain at a senior level.

"The athletes here today are the future of British sport and I am sure that the support Lloyds TSB provides will make a real difference to their career development.

"I hope that many of the athletes on the programme one day go on to take part in an Olympic or Paralympic Games themselves."

Tim Lawler, the chief executive of SportsAid, added: "I am delighted to announce the launch of the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes class of 2011.

"As the fourth year of the programme gets underway, the impact it is having on British sport is clear for all to see and I am sure that this year will be the most successful to date.

"With London 2012 just around the corner, it's exciting to see so many athletes on the programme already wearing the Great Britain vest and becoming genuine Local Heroes in their Local Community.

"The positive effects of this programme will be felt for years to come."

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