Up-and-coming athletes in Barking and Dagenham are being given the chance to take their sporting careers to the next level with Everyone Active's Sporting Champions scheme.
Relaunching this month and celebrating its 10th anniversary, the renowned programme empowers aspiring athletes to achieve their full potential through access to state-of-the-art training facilities and invaluable mentoring support from Olympians and Paralympians.
Since its inception, Sporting Champions has elevated the careers of more than 6,000 athletes, including 19 from Barking and Dagenham in 2025, by providing them with free access to Everyone Active’s 230-plus leisure centres nationwide. In the borough, this includes Abbey Leisure Centre, Becontree Heath Leisure Centre and Jim Peters Athletics Stadium which are run in partnership with London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.
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.
Hasan Romel, Everyone Active’s area contract manager said: “We are incredibly proud to support talented athletes here in Barking and Dagenham and help them realise their full potential. Working with London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, we’re committed to ensuring local sportspeople have access to the facilities, support and inspiration they need to thrive.
“We’ve seen 19 athletes from the borough benefit from the Sporting Champions scheme this last year, and we know there is even more talent waiting to be discovered. As we celebrate the programme’s 10th anniversary, we’re excited to continue investing in Barking and Dagenham sporting future and playing our part in helping the next generation of local stars succeed on the regional, national and international stage.”
Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “We are proud to support Everyone Active in delivering a scheme that gives our young residents the chance to train, grow and succeed with guidance from Olympians and Paralympians. This initiative is a fantastic opportunity to help local talent reach their potential and I encourage residents to apply and take the next step in their journey.”
Meanwhile, Everyone Active has also today launched its Community Champions scheme for 2026-27, which celebrates unsung heroes making a difference in Stevenage.
The award-winning 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. Everyone Active will raise awareness of this work to strengthen connections, encourage civic engagement and foster a culture of giving back.
Elsewhere, Everyone Active has also launched its 2026-27 Colleague Champions scheme, which recognises and rewards colleagues who consistently go above and beyond in their roles.
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. Keep up with the latest Sporting Champions news by following @easportingchamps on Instagram.