Sporting Champions scheme reopens applications for 2025

The Sporting Champions scheme, run by Everyone Active, is now in its ninth year and has helped more than 6,000 aspiring athletes nationwide.

The programme is now reopening applications for 2025.

Successful applicants will receive free access to Everyone Active's gyms, swimming pools, and fitness classes across the country, including at Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, Harpenden Leisure Centre, Batchwood Golf and Sports Centre, and Cotlandswick Leisure Centre.

The scheme is open to both existing leisure centre members and undiscovered sporting talents, from complete newcomers to established competitors.

Athletes will also benefit from exclusive mentoring sessions with Olympians and Paralympians, covering crucial topics like nutrition, fitness, event preparation, mental health, and social media.

For London Colney-based motocross champion Tom Grimshaw, the scheme has been transformative.

Motocross athlete Tom Grimshaw training (Image: Supplied) Using Westminster Lodge's facilities, which Everyone Active manages in partnership with St Albans City and District Council, he stormed to victory at the 2024 VMX Of Nations, competing against the world's elite riders.

"The Sporting Champions programme has taken my performance to another level," said Grimshaw, who has been supported by the scheme for two years.

"Motocross requires peak endurance levels and incredible strength as we're wrestling with 110kg bikes at speeds of up to 60mph over constantly changing terrain.

"Having access to Westminster Lodge's pool, fitness classes, and gym has allowed me to vary my training and keep it interesting throughout our long racing season."

Motocross athlete Tom Grimshaw (Image: Supplied) The scheme's return comes off the back of an exceptional summer for British sport, with 26 Sporting Champions athletes competing in the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, bringing home nine gold, six silver, and eight bronze medals.

Fourteen of these athletes were making their debuts on the international stage.

Olympic silver medallist Colin Jackson CBE returns as the scheme's ambassador for 2025-26, leading a star-studded lineup who have starred on the Olympic and Paralympic stage – Lauren Steadman, Lutalo Muhammad, Richard Kilty, Maisie Summers-Newton, and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.

Applications open on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, and close on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

Aspiring athletes can apply via easportingchampions.com.