Relaunching this month, the renowned programme empowers aspiring athletes to unlock their full potential by offering access to state-of-the-art training facilities and mentoring support from Olympians and Paralympians.

Since its inception in 2016, the scheme has transformed the lives of more than 5,000 athletes by providing them with free access to Everyone Active's 230-plus leisure centres nationwide, helping them press forward in their journey to sporting stardom.

These include centres run in partnership with Middlesbrough Council and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

• Middlesbrough Sports Village, Neptune Centre, Rainbow Leisure Centre - run in partnership with Middlesbrough Council
• Redcar Leisure Centre, Eston Leisure Centre, Saltburn Leisure Centre, Loftus Leisure Centre, Guisborough Swim and Fitness Centre – run in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council

For 2024, the legendary Colin Jackson, Olympic 110m hurdles silver medallist and former world record holder, returns as the scheme's Ambassador.

He will be working alongside a line-up of inspiring Elite athletes who have starred on the Olympic and Paralympic stage – Stockton sprinter Richard Kilty, Lauren Steadman, Lutalo Muhammad, Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova, Kadeena Cox and Maisie Summers-Newton – in group mentoring sessions throughout the year. These sporting heroes will share their wisdom and expertise, guiding up and coming athletes every step of the way.

Colin said: "I'm passionate about nurturing young talent and the Sporting Champions scheme goes above and beyond in this mission. With the Olympics and Paralympics taking place in Paris this summer, the programme takes on even greater significance in 2024. Seeing these future champions flourish fuels my excitement for what's to come."

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

At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, no fewer than 30 Sporting Champions competed, taking home five gold, two silver and three bronze medals.

Paul Ayre, Everyone Active’s area contract manager, said: “We are delighted to support up and coming athletes from Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland on their journey to success.

“As a leisure provider working in partnership with local councils, we feel it is important to cater for all sections of the community.

“The Sporting Champions scheme has supported thousands of athletes over the years and we are proud to be continuing this again in 2024.

“We hope to continue making a real difference to our athletes’ success and are excited to see what this Olympic year will bring.”

Cllr Philippa Storey, Middlesbrough Council’s Deputy Mayor and Executive Member for Culture & Education, said: “This brilliant scheme has the potential to uncover the stars and champions of the future from within the heart our own communities.”

Cllr Theo Furness, Executive Member for Regeneration and a former professional footballer, added: “We know the talent is out there among our young sportspeople, and Sporting Champions gives them a unique opportunity to be mentored by elite Olympians and Paralympians.”

• Applications open on Monday, February 12, 2024 and run until Monday, March 11, 2024 via the Everyone Active Sporting Champions website, easportingchampions.com

Follow the Sporting Champions Instagram (@easportingchamps) for more information on how to apply.