PROMISING athletes in Ealing are being given the opportunity to receive funding from leisure firm Everyone Active as part of its talent development programme.

Everyone Active is calling for aspiring sports stars to apply for funding and support as part of its Sporting Champions scheme. An online application form will be open from Monday, January 15 to Friday, February 16.

The scheme helps athletes to achieve their sporting potential by offering them access to high-quality training, financial support and expert advice. From grass roots competitors through to Olympic medallists, it has already aided more than 300 people.

Successful candidates will be awarded bronze, silver or gold sponsorship packages.

All athletes are provided with free access to Everyone Active’s centres across the country, and those on the higher tiers can also receive a sponsorship grant of up to £5,000 to help towards training and competition costs.

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Athletes on the scheme are also given exclusive opportunities to join mentoring sessions led by some of Britain’s most influential sports stars.

It is the third year that Everyone Active, which operates eight centres in partnership with Ealing Council, has run the scheme.

It currently supports a number of sportsmen and women in the area, including silver level long jumper Daniel Bramble, triple jumper Lia Stephenson, who is at bronze level, and swimmer Sam Thornton, also bronze level.

Duncan Jefford, director of Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme, said: “We are committed to offering support and funding for athletes from across Ealing and I would urge them to apply.”

Applicants should visit www.easportingchampions.com/apply-now/ and fill out the online application form.