Everyone Active Relaunches Sporting Champions Programme
Free leisure centre access for young athletes across Ealing borough
Colin Jackson says this year's intake will be particularly exciting. Picture: Everyone Active
March 4, 2026
Young athletes in the borough of Ealing are being encouraged to apply for a national talent-development scheme backed by some of Britain’s most recognisable Olympians and Paralympians, as Everyone Active relaunches its Sporting Champions programme for 2026–27.
The scheme, now in its tenth year, offers free access to more than 230 leisure centres across the country, including Northolt Leisure Centre, Acton Centre, Dormers Wells Leisure Centre, Brent Valley Golf Course and Fitness Centre, and Perivale Park Athletics Track. Twenty-one athletes from Ealing benefited from the support last year, and organisers believe there is far more untapped talent in the borough.
Olympic silver medallist Colin Jackson will continue as the programme’s ambassador, joined by a group of elite mentors who have competed on the world stage: Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Maisie Summers-Newton, Emma Finucane, Lauren Steadman and Richard Kilty. They will lead mentoring sessions throughout the year, offering guidance on training, competition and the pressures of elite sport. Jackson said the approach of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow made this year’s intake particularly exciting, adding that he was passionate about helping young athletes achieve their ambitions.
Since its launch, the Sporting Champions scheme has supported more than 6,000 athletes nationwide and invested over £2 million in developing grassroots talent. Everyone Active says the programme is part of a wider commitment to sport in Ealing, which includes a forthcoming £2.5 million investment in local leisure facilities. Phil Edwards, the organisation’s contract manager, said the partnership with the council demonstrated a long-term commitment to supporting physical activity and helping local athletes progress from regional to international competition.
Alongside the sports initiative, Everyone Active has also opened applications for its Community Champions scheme, which recognises people running projects that support wellbeing, inclusion, mentoring, environmental work or cultural activities. Successful applicants will receive access to leisure facilities to help deliver their projects, with the aim of strengthening community networks and celebrating local volunteers. A separate Colleague Champions scheme has also been launched to recognise staff who consistently go above and beyond in their roles.
Applications for all three schemes are open until Friday 20 March and can be submitted through the Everyone Active Champions website. Updates on the Sporting Champions programme will be shared on Instagram at @easportingchamps.
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