UP-AND-COMING Solihull athletes are being given the chance to take their sporting careers to the next level.
The renowned programme gives budding sports stars a chance to unlock their full potential by offering access to state-of-the-art training facilities and mentoring support from Olympians and Paralympians.
Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme, now in its ninth year, has helped more than 6,000 athletes to achieve their sporting potential by providing free access to Everyone Active’s 230-plus leisure facilities.
This includes Tudor Grange Leisure Centre and North Solihull Sports Centre.
New for 2026, 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 will return as the scheme’s Ambassador for 2026-27.
He will work alongside a line-up of inspiring Elite athletes who have starred on the Olympic and Paralympic stage – Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Maisie Summers-Newton, Emma Finucane, Lauren Steadman and Richard Kilty – in mentoring sessions throughout the year.
These sporting heroes will offer wisdom, guidance and expert advice, guiding promising athletes through every milestone of their sporting journeys.
Colin 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.”
Over the past nine years, the Sporting Champions scheme has poured more than £2million into young athletes, proving its commitment to grassroots sporting excellence.
Meanwhile, Everyone Active has also launched its Community Champions scheme for 2026-27, which celebrates unsung heroes making a difference in Solihull.
The leisure operator wants to support projects which are tackling local issues and changing lives, with the aim of building stronger communities and recognising 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.
It can be a charitable initiative or a project that is small or targeted.
Successful applicants will secure valuable use of facilities within their local leisure centres, to help them carry out these projects.
Applications for all Champions schemes run until March 20.
To apply visit the Everyone Active Champions website.
