Rising sports stars from Central Bedfordshire earn support from prestigious talent scheme fronted by Olympians and Paralympians

Aspiring athletes in Central Bedfordshire are set to gain vital support as part of a sports talent development programme.

Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has helped more than 6,000 athletes to achieve their sporting potential by providing free access to state-of-the-art facilities at Everyone Active’s 250-plus leisure sites, including Houghton Regis Leisure and Community Centre, Flitwick Leisure Centre, The Dunstable Centre, Saxon Pool and Leisure Centre and Sandy Leisure and Sports Centre.

Also included will be the brand-new Leighton Leisure and Community Centre when it replaces Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre on Saturday, June 27.

This year, a record 1,700 athletes have been accepted on the renowned scheme. Among the 70 athletes to secure their places in Central Bedfordshire are: 

> Sophie Jacobs, 18, who recently earned her first England cross country vest at an under-20 international race in Elgoibar, Spain and trains at Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre

> Swimmer Harrison Shaw, 18, who recently won two bronze relay medals for England at the McCullagh International Open Meet and trains at Flitwick Leisure Centre

Alongside free access to Everyone Active centres, Sporting Champions will also receive valuable mentoring and guidance from an impressive panel of Elite athletes comprising Olympic and Paralympic medallists, world champions and Commonwealth champions.

The scheme’s all-star line-up of top athletes includes Lauren Steadman, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Emma Finucane, Maisie Summers-Newton and Richard Kilty.

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. 

These innovative, hands-on workshops are designed to equip up-and-coming athletes with the practical tools and techniques needed to be at the top of their game. In addition, Sporting Champions will take part in bitesize webinars in collaboration with national governing bodies.

New for 2026-27, athletes over 16 will receive access to the You+ membership, designed to promote holistic health and wellbeing and centred around individual needs.

Olympic silver medallist and former world record holder, Colin Jackson CBE, will continue to fulfil the role of ambassador for the scheme, working alongside the Elite athletes to make sport more accessible within local communities.

Colin said: "I am incredibly passionate about nurturing young talent and the Sporting Champions scheme goes above and beyond in this mission. With the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow just months away, I am more excited than ever to support athletes of all ages and from all disciplines to achieve their dreams.

“My role is to pass my knowledge, experience and expertise on to the next generation of super-talented athletes. Seeing these future champions flourish throughout each year as they gain confidence fuels my excitement for what's to come."

Over the past nine years, the Sporting Champions scheme has poured more than £2million into young athletes, proving its commitment to grassroots sporting excellence.

At the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, no fewer than 26 Sporting Champions competed, taking home nine gold, six silver and eight bronze medals collectively.

Gary Foley, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We are delighted to be providing exceptional support to this year’s cohort who have been accepted on Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme.

“The profound impact Sporting Champions has on emerging talent from Central Bedfordshire each year is always amazing to see, and we are excited to be supporting more athletes than ever on their journey to sporting success.

“As a leisure provider working in partnership with Central Bedfordshire 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 success stories the scheme will bring this year.”  

Cllr Steven Watkins, Executive Member for Leisure at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “We’re proud to support talented athletes across Central Bedfordshire through the Sporting Champions scheme. This programme gives our residents the platform they need to develop their skills, access high-quality facilities and benefit from expert guidance.

“Working in partnership with Everyone Active, we’re committed to investing in opportunities that help people achieve their potential and inspire more residents to get active. I look forward to seeing what this year’s athletes go on to achieve.”

To find out more about the Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme, visit ea-champions.com/sporting-champions/ or follow @easportingchamps on Instagram. For further information on Everyone Active, visit www.everyoneactive.com