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A press release from Everyone Active...
Up-and-coming athletes in North Herts are being given the chance to take their sporting careers to the next level with Everyone Active's Sporting Champions scheme.
Recently relaunched 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 21 from North Herts in 2025, by providing them with free access to Everyone Active’s 230-plus leisure centres nationwide. In the district, this includes North Herts Leisure Centre, Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre and Royston Leisure Centre, which are run on behalf of North Herts Council. In addition, athletes can also train at Knights Templar Sports Centre in Baldock which is managed in partnership with the Knights Templar Trust.
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.
Tim Melvin, Everyone Active’s contract commercial manager said: “We are incredibly proud to support talented athletes here in North Herts and help them realise their full potential. Working with both North Herts Council and Knights Templar Trust, we’re committed to ensuring local sportspeople have access to the facilities, support and inspiration they need to thrive.
“We’ve seen 21 athletes from the district 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 North Herts’ sporting future and playing our part in helping the next generation of local stars succeed on the regional, national and international stage.”
Meanwhile, Everyone Active has also launched its Community Champions scheme for 2026-27, which celebrates unsung heroes making a difference in North Herts.
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.
Cllr Amy Allen, North Herts Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said: “North Herts has so much young talent, and great to see schemes like this helping our athletes push for the next step. If you love your sport and want to grow, I’d really encourage you to apply – and while you’re at it, take a look at the Community Champions scheme too, which is a brilliant way to celebrate the people making a difference locally.”
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.
There are ten days left to submit applications. The closing date is Friday, March 20.
You can apply via the Everyone Active Champions website.
