Rising sports stars earn support from talent scheme fronted by Olympians and Paralympians

Aspiring athletes in East Staffordshire are set to gain vital support as part of a sports talent development programme.

Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has helped more than 6,000 athletes to achieve their sporting potential by providing free access to state-of-the-art facilities at Everyone Active’s 250-plus leisure sites, including Meadowside Leisure Centre, Shobnall Leisure Complex and Uttoxeter Leisure Centre.

This year, a record 1,700 athletes have been accepted on the renowned scheme. Among the 27 athletes to secure their places in East Staffordshire are: 

• Molly Hudson (pictured), 23, who won 1500m silver at the UK Indoor Championships last year, and trains at Uttoxeter Leisure Centre
• Taekwondo ace Euna Lugami, 15, who has been selected to represent England at September’s European Championships and trains at Shobnall Leisure Complex

Alongside free access to Everyone Active centres, Sporting Champions will also receive valuable mentoring and guidance from an impressive panel of Elite athletes comprising Olympic and Paralympic medallists, world champions and Commonwealth champions.

The scheme’s all-star line-up of top athletes includes Lauren Steadman, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Emma Finucane, Maisie Summers-Newton and Richard Kilty.

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. 

These innovative, hands-on workshops are designed to equip up-and-coming athletes with the practical tools and techniques needed to be at the top of their game. In addition, Sporting Champions will take part in bitesize webinars in collaboration with national governing bodies.

New for 2026-27, athletes over 16 will receive access to the You+ membership, designed to promote holistic health and wellbeing and centred around individual needs.

Olympic silver medallist and former world record holder, Colin Jackson CBE, will continue to fulfil the role of ambassador for the scheme, working alongside the Elite athletes to make sport more accessible within local communities.

Colin said: "I am incredibly passionate about nurturing young talent and the Sporting Champions scheme goes above and beyond in this mission. With the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow just months away, I am more excited than ever to support athletes of all ages and from all disciplines to achieve their dreams.

“My role is to pass my knowledge, experience and expertise on to the next generation of super-talented athletes. Seeing these future champions flourish throughout each year as they gain confidence fuels my excitement for what's to come."

Over the past nine years, the Sporting Champions scheme has poured more than £2million into young athletes, proving its commitment to grassroots sporting excellence.

At the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, no fewer than 26 Sporting Champions competed, taking home nine gold, six silver and eight bronze medals collectively.

Councillor Paul Walker, East Staffordshire Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Tourism and Cultural Development, said: "We are very grateful to have the Sporting Champions scheme, and the valuable support it provides to aspiring athletes in our Borough.

“It’s fantastic that our up-and-coming athletes have the chance to grow their sporting careers, and it is pleasing to see the part our local sport and leisure facilities are playing in their development.”