Talented young sports men and women in the borough have an opportunity to gain sponsorship from an Ealing sports and leisure provider.

Northolt Leisure Centre, Perivale Park, Southall Sports Centre, Everyone Active Acton are all taking part in the scheme, which aims to reach out to support local athletes after a very successful year of British sport.

Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme can provide talented local sports stars with the facilities and funds needed to support their training and help them reach their full potential.

The sports and leisure operator will reward successful athletes with either a bronze sponsorship (free access to all Everyone Active centres), silver sponsorship (free access plus £1,000 sponsorship support) or gold sponsorship (free access plus £5,000 sponsorship support).

“As a leisure provider working in partnership with the council, we feel it is important to cater for all sectors of the community, including emerging talent,” says managing director of Everyone Active, David Bibby.

“Since launching last year, Everyone Active Sporting Champions has been very successful in supporting local athletes by reducing their financial burden. We hope to continue making a real difference to our athlete’s success.”

In its first year, Everyone Active Sporting Champions has already invested more than £100k into supporting over 130 athletes.

In November 2016, those on the programme got the chance to meet gold-level athlete, Max Whitlock, and scheme ambassador, Colin Jackson, along with many more sports stars at the official launch event.

This year athletes will benefit from new additions to the scheme, including exclusive mentoring opportunities and access to some of Team GB’s top talents.

Applications are open to both male and female athletes who live in a district or borough with an Everyone Active centre or who are already a member of an Everyone Active site.

Applicants should visit www.easportingchampions.com/apply-now/ to submit a 150-word summary of their major sporting achievements to date as well as their goals for the future.