An underwater hockey player is benefiting from a new scheme where elite athletes receive free access to training facilities.

Leisure charity, Fusion Lifestyle, is providing elite athletes the opportunity for free access to several leisure centres across Devon, including Ivybridge, as part of the FANS - Free Access for National Sportspeople - initiative.

Fusion Lifestyle recently took over the running of local leisure facilities across the South Hams and West Devon, including Quayside Leisure Centre in Kingsbridge.

The scheme is open to all ages, and is eligible for those who compete or perform at a national level, and in any sport recognised by Sport England, from underwater hockey, to skateboarding, surfing and Paralympic swimming.

Noah Capps, 15, who has just won English National Surfing Championships, said: "Being able to use the centre, particularly during the winter months, has been great for keeping in top condition. It also keeps me motivated, as well as helping me to continuously develop my surfing skills.

"I train with the English Squad which is great, but this happens on various weekends throughout the year. My local facility is the most help, as I can use it whenever I like!

"Training out of the water is extremely important if you want to keep your edge!"

When asked what advice he would give to those looking to compete in sports professionally, he said: "I am not professional just yet, but I keep setting targets, training every day to achieve them. I keep pushing myself further and further to achieve new goals.

"Don’t let other people every tell you that your goals are not achievable!"

The FANS scheme aims to ease the financial burden of training costs, by providing support for the region’s most talented, elite sportspeople. FANS scheme members can use fitness and swimming facilities for free at any Fusion Lifestyle operated centre.

Clare Bill, from Fusion Lifestyle said: “The FANS scheme celebrates all sports, from Underwater Hockey to Judo. We hope that it will inspire the next generation of sporting stars, while helping some of the region’s top athletes achieve their full potential.”

Quayside Leisure Centre is among six leisure facilities across West Devon and the South Hams where participating athletes can benefit from the scheme. Other centres include, Dartmouth Leisure Centre, Totnes Leisure Centre, Ivybridge Leisure Centre and Parklands Leisure Centre in Okehampton.