The Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme, which is being fronted by Olympians and Paralympians, is giving rising sports stars in Sheffield the chance to take their sporting careers to the next level.

The renowned scheme, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, will relaunch this month as it looks to continue empowering the next generation of sporting talent in Yorkshire.

2026-27 will see Olympic silver medallist and former world record holder Colin Jackson return as the scheme’s ambassador alongside a range of inspiring Olympic and Paralympic stars.

On returning as ambassador for this scheme, two-time world champion Colin Jackson said, "With the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on the horizon, I am more excited than ever to support athletes of all ages and from all disciplines to achieve their dreams. I'm passionate about nurturing young talent, and the Sporting Champions scheme goes above and beyond in this mission.”

The athletes who are successful in their application will have access to ‘state-of-the-art training facilities and invaluable mentoring support from Olympians and Paralympians'.

For 2026 athletes, aged over 16, will also have access to the You+ membership which is designed to ‘promote holistic health and wellbeing’ and is ‘centred around individual needs’.

Since the inception of Sporting Champions, it has elevated the careers of over 6,000 athletes by ‘providing them with free access to Everyone Active’s 230-plus leisure centres nationwide’.

In partnership with Sheffield City Council, some of these leisure centres include Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, English Institute of Sport Sheffield (EISS), Concord Sports Centre, iceSheffield, Springs Leisure Centre, Hillsborough Leisure Centre and Heeley Pool & Gym in Sheffield.

On their partnership with the Sheffield City Council, Everyone Active’s contract manager Phil Bowers said: “We are delighted to support up-and-coming athletes from Sheffield on their journey to success.”

“As a leisure provider working in partnership with Sheffield City Council, we feel it is important to cater to all sections of the community to ensure all budding athletes have access to the best facilities and opportunities.”

“The Sporting Champions scheme has supported thousands of athletes over the years, and we are proud to be continuing this again in 2026. We hope to continue making a real difference to our athletes’ success.”

Over the past nine years, this scheme has awarded more than £2 million to young athletes in the UK as Sporting Champions continue to support and commit to ‘grassroots sporting excellence’.

Alongside Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme, it has also launched a Community Champions scheme for 2026-27, which will celebrate unsung heroes who are making a difference in Sheffield.

This new scheme will allow the award-winning leisure operator to continue supporting projects which tackle local issues and change lives with an aim to build stronger communities and recognise the dedication of those who go above and beyond.

People involved in ‘mentoring, promoting health and wellbeing, supporting inclusivity or leading environmental or cultural projects’ are urged to apply for the scheme which will support a charitable initiative or a project that is small or targeted.

Successful applicants for the community champions scheme will have access to the facilities within their local leisure centres, which will help them conduct these projects.

Alongside the Community Champions scheme, Everyone Active has also launched its 2026-27 Colleague Champions scheme, which will recognise and reward colleagues who consistently go above and beyond in their roles.

On the importance of these schemes in Sheffield, Councillor Kurtis Crossthorn, the Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: "Supporting young people to reach their full potential is hugely important to us as a council, and schemes like Sporting Champions play a vital role in making that possible.”

“Sheffield is a city with a proud sporting heritage, and we want every aspiring athlete – regardless of background – to have access to the facilities, mentoring and opportunities they need to succeed.

“Everyone Active’s ongoing partnership with the Council helps to break down barriers and ensure our leisure centres are places where future Olympians and Paralympians can thrive. I’d encourage all eligible athletes across the city to apply and make the most of this fantastic opportunity.”

Applications for all Champions schemes open on Friday, February 20, and run until Friday, March 20. You can apply via the Everyone Active Champions website: Everyone Champions | The Home of Champions