Up-and-coming athletes in North West Leicestershire are being given the chance to take their careers to the next level with Everyone Active's Sporting Champions scheme.

Relaunching this month, the programme urges 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.

These include Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre and Ashby Leisure Centre and Lido, run in partnership with North West Leicestershire District Council.

For 2024, Colin Jackson, 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."

Colin Jackson opened the Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre just under two years ago. Photo: Coalville Nub News

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.

Duncan Gibb, Everyone Active's contract manager, said: "We are delighted to support up and coming athletes from North West Leicestershire on their journey to success.

"As a leisure provider working in partnership with North West Leicestershire 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.

"We are delighted that Colin has returned as the scheme's Ambassador. He was the lead sporting celebrity at the official opening of Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre back in 2022 and his passion in regard to supporting aspiring sportspeople and his genuine engagement with customers who attended on the day was evident to all."

Applications open today (February 12) and run until Monday, March 11 via the Everyone Active Sporting Champions website HERE.

Follow the Sporting Champions Instagram (@easportingchamps) for more information on how to apply.