Rising sports stars urged to apply for sponsorship scheme fronted by Olympians

Up-and-coming athletes in Ashfield are being given the chance to become ‘Sporting Champions’ and gain much-needed support as part of a sports talent development scheme.

The Council's leisure partner, Everyone Active, runs a Sporting Champions programme, now heading into its seventh year, which has helped thousands of athletes to achieve their sporting potential by providing free access to Everyone Active’s 200+ leisure facilities across the country, including Lammas Leisure Centre, Kirkby Leisure Centre and Hucknall Leisure Centre.

Aspiring athletes will be able to apply until March 13 by visiting the Everyone Active Sporting Champions website.

Pole vaulter Felicia Miloro trains at Hucknall Leisure Centre and competed in the UK Athletics Indoor Championships in February. She said:

“The scheme has been massively helpful, especially since my foot surgery last year as I was able to swim and rehab at the leisure centre. I have also been using the new gym for my weight training and the facilities are amazing.”

Olympic silver medalist Colin Jackson will remain in his role as Sporting Champions Ambassador, working alongside the scheme’s Elite athletes to make sport more accessible within local communities.

Colin said:

“I’m proud to be involved in a scheme that is so dedicated to supporting athletic talent from grass roots up. I have watched the Sporting Champions scheme grow over the years and I’m so excited to continue working alongside a panel of truly talented Elite athletes to help mentor and support the next generation.

“The Sporting Champions scheme has helped thousands of up-and-coming athletes to achieve their sporting dreams and I can’t wait to see what this year’s intake go on to achieve.”

Over the past seven years, Sporting Champions has invested more than £1million into athletes on the scheme."

Cllr Rachel Madden, Executive Lead Member for Leisure, Health & Wellbeing at Ashfield District Council , said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for young athletes to access state-of-the-art sporting facilities in Ashfield. Over the past seven years we have seen local youngsters from a range of sports join the Sporting Champions scheme and reach their sporting potential, both nationally and internationally. I encourage any young aspiring athlete in Ashfield to apply for the scheme.”

Applicants should visit www.easportingchampions.com to fill out the online application form.