Next generation of talented athletes to be supported by Sporting Champions scheme  

Up-and-coming athletes in East Staffordshire are set to gain much-needed support as part of a sports talent development programme.

Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme, now in its eighth year, has helped more than 5,000 athletes to achieve their sporting potential by providing free access to Everyone Active’s 230-plus leisure facilities, including Meadowside Leisure Centre, Shobnall Leisure Complex and Uttoxeter Leisure Centre.  

Among the athletes accepted on the scheme in East Staffordshire this year are: 

• Para-swimmer Megan Neave, who won gold in the 100m backstroke at this year’s World Para Series, trains at Meadowside Leisure Centre in Burton
• Taekwondo athlete Edie Brassington, a 12-times gold medallist who also trains at Meadowside Leisure Centre

Alongside free access to Everyone Active centres, Sporting Champions will also receive valuable mentoring and guidance from an impressive panel of Elite athletes, some of whom look set to compete at Paris 2024.

The scheme’s all-star line-up of decorated Olympians and Paralympians includes Jennifer and Jessica Gadirova, Lutalo Muhammad, Richard Kilty, Lauren Steadman and Maisie Summers-Newton, while new to the panel for 2024 is GB sprint star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey*.

These Elite athletes will share their experience and expertise through group mentoring sessions, covering topics including mental wellbeing, nutrition, managing finances, social media and media training. 

Olympic silver medallist Colin Jackson (pictured) will also continue to support the scheme through his role as an Ambassador, working alongside the Elite athletes to make sport more accessible within local communities.

Colin said: "I'm passionate about nurturing young talent and the Sporting Champions scheme goes above and beyond in this mission. With the Olympics and Paralympics taking place in Paris this summer, the programme takes on even greater significance in 2024. Seeing these future champions flourish fuels my excitement for what's to come."

The Sporting Champions scheme has poured more than £2million into young athletes across the country, proving its commitment to grassroots sporting excellence.

At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, no fewer than 30 Sporting Champions competed, taking home five gold, two silver and three bronze medals.

Dan Mclean, Everyone Active’s area contract manager, said: “Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme has been very successful in providing exceptional support to emerging talent and we are delighted to be once again supporting athletes from East Staffordshire on their journey to success.  

“It’s fantastic to see how the scheme has expanded over the years, now providing more than 1,000 athletes nationwide with access to top-quality training facilities and support. 

“As a leisure provider working in partnership with East Staffordshire Borough Council, we feel it is important to cater for all sections of the community. We hope to continue making a real difference to our athletes’ success and are excited to see what the relaunch of the scheme will bring this year.”  

Cllr Paul Walker, Cabinet Member for Tourism and Cultural Development, said: “The Sporting Champions scheme, led by Everyone Active, has had great success in supporting emerging talent.

“It is now a great opportunity for the selected up and coming athletes in East Staffordshire this year to have the chance to take their careers to the next level.

“Given it is also an Olympic and Paralympic year makes this even more inspiring. We have some great facilities at our three leisure centres that will help them in their journey to future stardom.”

Click here to find out more about the Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme.