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

Everyone Active's Sporting Champions scheme, now heading into its seventh year, has helped thousands of athletes to achieve their sporting potential by providing free access to Everyone Active's 200+ leisure facilities, including Hucknall Leisure Centre, Lammas Leisure Centre, and Kirkby Leisure Centre.  

Among the athletes accepted on the scheme in Ashfield this year are pole vaulter Felicia Miloro who last year was the under-23 national champion; and ice dancer Reece Budd, who was the 2022 advanced novice men's British solo champion.

Alongside free access to Everyone Active centres, Sporting Champions will also have the chance to receive valuable mentoring and guidance from an impressive panel of Elite athletes.

The scheme's all-star line-up of decorated Olympians and Paralympians includes Jennifer and Jessica Gadirova, Lutalo Muhammad, Richard Kilty, Lauren Steadman, Kadeena Cox and Maisie Summers-Newton.

Throughout the year, 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 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.  

Tokyo 2020 paratriathlon champion and cross-country skier Lauren Steadman said: "I'm super proud to be an Elite athlete for this year's Sporting Champions scheme, helping to mentor, guide and inspire up-and-coming athletes in their sporting careers. 

"The fact there is now a brand creating opportunities and supporting younger athletes to achieve their full potential is amazing. I hope I can share my knowledge and experience with the Sporting Champions through our mentoring days and that together we can create an incredible future generation of athletes." 

Lorenzo Clark, Everyone Active's 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 Ashfield 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 Ashfield District 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."  

To find out more about the Everyone Active's Sporting Champions scheme, please click here or follow @easportingchamps on Instagram. For further information on Everyone Active, please click here.