Up-and-coming athletes in Ashfield are being given the chance to take their careers to the next level – in an Olympic and Paralympic year – with Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme.

Relaunching this month, the renowned programme empowers aspiring athletes to unlock their full potential by offering access to state-of-the-art training facilities and mentoring support from Olympians and Paralympians.

Since its inception in 2016, the scheme has transformed the lives of more than 5,000 athletes by providing them with free access to Everyone Active’s 230-plus leisure centres nationwide, helping them press forward in their journey to sporting stardom.

These include Lammas Leisure Centre, Kirkby Leisure Centre and Hucknall Leisure Centre in Ashfield, run in partnership with Ashfield District Council.

Among the athletes to benefit from the scheme last year was local pole vaulter Felicia Miloro, who picked up a bronze medal in the British Championships in July. She was also crowned ‘Social Media Champion of the Year’ at Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions Awards in November.

For 2024, the legendary Colin Jackson (pictured), Olympic 110m hurdles silver medallist and former world record holder, returns as the scheme’s Ambassador.

He will be working alongside a line-up of inspiring Elite athletes who have starred on the Olympic and Paralympic stage – Lauren Steadman, Lutalo Muhammad, Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova, Kadeena Cox, Richard Kilty and Maisie Summers-Newton – in group mentoring sessions throughout the year. These sporting heroes will share their wisdom and expertise, guiding up and coming athletes every step of the way.

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.”

Over the past eight years, the Sporting Champions scheme has poured more than £2million into young athletes, 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.

Lorenzo Clark, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We are delighted to support up and coming athletes from Ashfield on their journey to success.

“As a leisure provider working in partnership with Ashfield District Council, we feel it is important to cater for all sections of the community.

“The Sporting Champions scheme has supported thousands of athletes over the years and we are proud to be continuing this again in 2024.

“We hope to continue making a real difference to our athletes’ success and are excited to see what this Olympic year will bring.”

Applications run until Monday, March 11, 2024 via the Everyone Active Sporting Champions website, easportingchampions.com