Applications for the latest round of BayTrust athlete, coaches and officials scholarships close 5pm Monday, March 8.

The scholarships are open to young sportspeople aged 16 to 23 residing anywhere in the Bay of Plenty, or for volunteer coaches and sport officials in the region.

Sport Bay of Plenty's Sport Development Advisor Belinda Muller says after a disrupted season in 2020, the scholarships will be welcome support for Bay of Plenty junior athletes and local coaches and officials.

'When you're just starting out in your athletic career, these scholarships can be a huge boost to help you attend competitions and hone your skills against your peers.

'Given the current travel restrictions and border controls, this year athletes can apply for travel support to a national instead of international competition.

'The scholarships also help our coaches and sport officials develop new skills that can be delivered back to the community, which in turn helps build a strong local sporting sector.”

Past athletes to receive the scholarship include Finn Anderson (canoe slalom), Hamish Miller (triathlon) and Olive Pearce (surf lifesaving).

Athlete Scholarship applications are available to any aspiring athlete from the Bay of Plenty, aged 16-23 years, who has achieved national representation at their sport.

The Coach Scholarships are for coaches currently coaching at a recognised and endorsed level by their National or Regional Sporting Organisation or equivalent body.

Officials Scholarships are available to those refereeing, umpiring or officiating at a recognised and endorsed level by their National or Regional Sporting Organisation or equivalent body.

Applications close 5pm on Friday, March 8.

Visit sportbop.co.nz/funding/baytrust-scholarships for details.