Jacob is well on target

The programme is backed by £5.5 million of new National Lottery funding which aims to level the playing field in top-level sport.

Jacob, 14, who became Junior National Indoor Champion in his age category in December trains with Archery GB once a month at Lilleshall and competes regularly around the country.

“To even be nominated for such an award has been fantastic,” he said.

“With many shoots starting early morning it means that I have to travel the night before and the costs of hotels soon mount up. This will help me enormously”.

Jacob, from Leasingham, is a pupil at St George’s Academy, Sleaford.

The four-year scheme was launched after a new study, carried out by Leeds Beckett University, showed the rising cost of becoming a sports star has led to some of England’s best up-and-coming talent dropping out.

Jacob has also recently been selected as the reserve for England in the Home Nations Match in July.

“Though I don’t wish injury on any of my fellow archers It would be a great feeling to be able to wear the shirt and shoot for England,” he added.