Up-and-coming athletes across the nation have another chance to elevate their sporting careers with the relaunch of Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme. Now in its ninth year, the renowned programme is set to empower aspiring sportspeople through free access to over 240 leisure centres nationwide, along with invaluable mentoring from Olympic and Paralympic champions.
Since its inception in 2016, the Sporting Champions scheme has made a transformative impact on more than 6,000 athletes. By offering top-tier training facilities and expert guidance, the programme has become a critical catalyst for developing talent from the grassroots level. In 2024, the scheme supported 26 athletes competing in the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, helping them achieve a combined haul of nine gold, six silver, and eight bronze medals.
Remarkably, 14 of these athletes made their international debuts at Paris 2024, coming home with 11 medals between them—a testament to the programme’s power in nurturing emerging talent.
Returning as the Ambassador for 2025-2026 is Olympic silver medallist and former world record holder Colin Jackson. A stalwart of British athletics, Jackson brings a wealth of experience and passion for developing young talent. “After a summer of monumental success in 2024, I am more excited than ever to support athletes of all ages and from all disciplines to achieve their dreams,” Jackson said. “I’m passionate about nurturing young talent, and the Sporting Champions scheme goes above and beyond in this mission.”
Jackson will work alongside a stellar line-up of elite athletes who have shone on the Olympic and Paralympic stages. Mentors for the coming year include renowned figures such as Lauren Steadman, Lutalo Muhammad, Richard Kilty, Maisie Summers-Newton, and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. These sporting heroes will conduct mentoring sessions throughout the year, offering practical guidance, motivational support, and expert advice to help rising athletes navigate each milestone of their sporting journeys.
Richard Bell, Everyone Active’s Stratford contract manager also expressed enthusiasm about the programme’s relaunch. “We are delighted to support up-and-coming athletes on their journey to success,” he stated. “As a leisure provider working in partnership with local communities, we believe it is important to cater to all sections of society to ensure that every budding athlete has access to the same facilities and opportunities. The Sporting Champions scheme has supported thousands of athletes over the years, and we are proud to be continuing this mission in 2025.”
Over the past eight years, the scheme has poured more than £2 million into developing young athletes, showcasing a steadfast commitment to grassroots sporting excellence. The programme not only provides access to state-of-the-art training facilities but also creates an environment where emerging athletes can learn from the best in the world. With mentoring from elite sports figures and tailored training opportunities, participants receive the encouragement and support necessary to excel at the highest levels.
Applications for the 2025 cycle open on Tuesday, 11 February 2025, and will remain open until Tuesday, 11 March 2025. Aspiring athletes, along with their coaches and mentors, are invited to apply through the Everyone Active Sporting Champions website at easportingchampions.com.
Additionally, for those looking to stay updated on the latest news, success stories, and application details, following the Sporting Champions Instagram account (@easportingchamps) is highly recommended.
This year’s relaunch of the Sporting Champions scheme represents a renewed commitment to unlocking the full potential of young athletes across the country. With an impressive track record and a dedicated team of mentors led by Colin Jackson, the programme is poised to shape the future of British sport. Whether athletes are striving for Olympic glory or simply looking to elevate their performance, Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme offers the tools, resources, and inspiration to help them achieve their dreams.
In a world where sporting success often hinges on access to quality training and expert mentorship, the Sporting Champions scheme stands out as a beacon of opportunity. By combining free access to over 240 leisure centres with world-class mentoring support, the programme ensures that talent is nurtured, potential is unlocked, and dreams are within reach.
As the relaunch kicks off in 2025, it promises to be another ground breaking year for emerging athletes nationwide, driving forward a legacy of excellence and inspiring the next generation of sporting champions.