SPORT has rarely been so popular a pastime in the county. From five-a-side football to thriving netball and rounders leagues, thousands compete each week. Ironic then that a one-of-a-kind not-for-profit organisation that channels our young sporting talent towards its full potential can't make ends meet. It's all over for Ready, Steady, Win, unless its supporters come up with cash. Sporting dreams are going to be dashed - when they are so close to coming true.

NEXT year Jenny Spencer, 19, could be going for Olympic kayaking gold. Rob Francis might have to a wait a little longer, but then he's two years younger and already a British rowing champion.

Maggie Williams (judo) and Rob Farrington (orienteering) are British Champions too - aged just 13.

Alice Hurley, 14, is an established international dressage rider, Ted Knight, 15, one of the world's most promising slalom canoeists and Jenny Rogers, also 15, has hockey success in her sights.

Just some of the outstanding sports talent this county is capable of producing. Now the champion of that talent needs champions of its own.

Promises

Ready, Steady, Win (RSW) has plenty of fans on paper. But business manager Jo Jones is blunt - pledges and promises amount to nothing when too few are on side with cash.

Money is needed to cover sponsorship, bursaries, administration costs, to inspire sporting dreams and to make them come true.

Jo, though, has to work with reality, a reality leaving little in the coffers for 'anything'.

She can't even be sure of her own salary, let alone the futures of her charges.

It was for those futures that RSW was founded in 1993. A one-off not-for-profit 'enabler' linking the county's sporting promise to cash, coaching and kit.

More than 110 teens have benefited from more than 200 bursaries awarded since.

They play football and cricket, swim and ski, race motorcycles, windsurf...

They all got chances others might not get.

RSW needs at least £40,000 a year to function, though demand could top £200,000. So far it has nothing.

For the first time, RSW faces working with no budget. It's into overdraft once immediate expenses are met by expected grants.

An on-going application for full charity status might make all the difference, but that takes time RSW hasn't got.

The only short-term 'luxury' is an offer of office accommodation, telephone and free use of facilities from the Ross-on-Wye based Leadership Trust.

Jo has no illusions; these days fundraising can be as competitive as any sport. But she's not sure how much more she has to do. She's met with ministers, wooed business, and organised events.

Sometimes the message gets through, but mostly its promise and pledges.

And you can't put potential on 'tick'.

But seeing children as young as 10 pitching themselves to possible sponsors is what keeps Jo going.

She hopes it can keep RSW going too. If it doesn't, that young talent is the loser. What price that?