Rising stars urged to apply for sponsorship to become Sporting Champions
Published: March 2, 2023
The 50 meter swimming pool at Moorways. Picture by Martine Hamilton Knight.
Aspiring athletes at Derby are given the chance to become Sporting Champions and receive much-needed support through a sports talent development programme.
Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions program, now in its seventh year, has helped thousands of athletes reach their sporting potential by providing free access to Everyone Active’s more than 200 recreational facilities across the country, including the Moorways Sports Village , which they run for Derby City Council .
Aspiring athletes have until Monday, March 13 to apply by visiting the Everyone Active Sporting Champions website.
The program’s impressive lineup of decorated Olympians and Paralympians includes Lutalo Muhammad, Jennifer and Jessica Gadirova, Richard Kilty, Lauren Steadman, Kadeena Cox and Maisie Summers-Newton, who continue to provide their expertise, mentoring, to the athletes inducted into the program and will provide their support scheme this year.
Sporting Champions also get free, unlimited access to the Everyone on Demand app, which gives them 500,000+ home workouts from leading fitness brands including WithU, Flex and Les Mills on Demand.
Olympic silver medalist Colin Jackson will remain in his role as Sporting Champions Ambassador, working with the program’s elite athletes to make the sport more accessible in local communities.
Alongside some of Team GB’s finest talent, he will play a key role in providing individual and group mentoring sessions throughout the year.
Colin Jackson said:
I’m proud to be involved with a program that is so dedicated to supporting athletic talent from the grassroots.
I’ve seen the Sporting Champions program grow over the years and I’m really excited to continue working with a panel of truly talented elite athletes to mentor and support the next generation.
The Sporting Champions program has helped thousands of aspiring athletes achieve their sporting dreams and I can’t wait to see what this year’s intake will achieve.
Over the past seven years, Sporting Champions has invested more than £1million in athletes on the programme.
Everyone Active Contracts Manager Simon Morgan said:
We are delighted to be able to support emerging sports stars from Derby on their journey to success.
As a leisure provider working with Derby City Council we believe it is important to offer something for all parts of the community.
The Sporting Champions program has already supported a large number of athletes and I am proud that we will continue to do so in 2023.
We hope to continue to make a real difference in the success of our athletes and look forward to what this year will bring.
Councilor Jerry Pearce, Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Leisure and Public Spaces added:
You only have to see some of our young athletes and swimmers in action at Moorways Sports Village to see their potential for future success.
I would like to encourage everyone to apply and make the most of this fantastic opportunity.
Applicants can learn more on the Sporting Champions website and fill out the online application form. The form is available until Monday 13 March.