Olympians such as Lauren Steadman and Jessica Gadirova are to help aspiring athletes in Slough with a sponsorship scheme aimed at providing much-needed support to locals.

The scheme will provide young athletes with the chance to become "Sporting Champions" in Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions programme.

Fronted by Olympians and Paralympians, successful sponsors will receive mentoring and support from Lutalo Muhammad, Jennifer and Jessica Gadirova, Richard Kilty, Lauren Steadman, Kadeena Cox and Maisie Summers-Newton.

Sporting Champions Ambassador and Olympic silver medalist Colin Jackson will work alongside the scheme’s Elite athletes to make sport more accessible within local communities.

Colin said: “I’m proud to be involved in a scheme that is so dedicated to supporting athletic talent from grass roots up.

“I have watched the Sporting Champions scheme grow over the years and I’m so excited to continue working alongside a panel of truly talented Elite athletes to help mentor and support the next generation."

Now heading into its seventh year, the Eveyone Active programme helps thousands of athletes to achieve their sporting potential by providing free access to hundreds of leisure facilities across the country, including Langley Leisure Centre, Salt Hill Activity Centre, The Centre and Ice Arena in Slough.

The lucky group of aspiring athletes will receive both one-to-one and group mentoring sessions throughout the year, benefiting from Team GB's top talent.

Since opening the sponsorship opportunities Sporting Champions has invested more than £1million into athletes on the scheme.

Everyone Active’s contract manager Luke Routhorn said: “We are delighted to be able to support rising sports stars from Slough on their journey to success.

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

“The Sporting Champions scheme has already supported a huge number of athletes and I’m proud that we are continuing this again in 2023.

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

Sporting Champions will also receive free unlimited access to the Everyone on Demand app, providing them with more than 500,000 at-home workouts from leading fitness brands.

Applications are now open for aspiring athletes, who must apply by March 13 to be in for a chance.

Visit easportingchampions.com to find out more.