JW,
Chin up mate. Yes it's tough, tougher still to get the first break by all accounts, HOWEVER, it's tough for everyone, if you accept that from early on then it's a good start. You say you're 25; I'm not having a go but you really should be banging off as many sponsorship apps as you can find, you have age pretty much on your side, use as many chances as you can get to apply to these sponsorships. Yes they're hard to get (you don't have to tell me that) but who gets them ??? Probably guys like you and me who also think "Christ they're hard to get".
I got to the last 10 interviewees for a sponsorship that took on 4 guys, out of what, say about 1000 applicants ?!? I didn't get it unfortunately but maybe with a bit of extra effort at the interview or something it might be a different story. All's I'm saying is that they are attainable, when you get to say the last 10 places, it really is anyones on the day (yes I was both surprised and very pleased to get that far), please don't let numbers put you off.
Failing sponsorship, save a bit, get a loan (I'm afraid debt kinda comes with this territory, again another fact to accept early) and go modular, get to the stage where you can do the AFIC then build on that and earn your way thru as an instructor.
If you read enough on Pprune, the unerring message that is constantly there is dedication and persevarance, if you really want to fly for living, it's pretty much only the medical that CAN actually stop you, full stop.
Good luck with it, and get those sponsorship forms when they get advertised !!