THE demands on modern athletes are constantly changing but Sheffield swimming star Charlotte Bianchi is glad that SportsAid’s Next Generation programme, fuelled by Aldi, will help her deal with any challenges on the way. 

SportsAid supports over 1,000 young athletes each year by providing a financial award to help with training and competition costs while also delivering personal development opportunities to many athletes through workshop sessions. 

Aldi are now working in partnership with SportsAid to support 20 young athletes on their journey to becoming future Olympians and Paralympians – including Moore – and helping them to eat like a champion.

The 16-year-old Sheffield High School student was among a group of 47 swimmers selected for the 2021-22 Swim England Junior Squad and has qualified for the 2022 European Junior Championships. 

"I was very grateful to SportsAid when I found out because I was not expecting it," said Bianchi, speaking after filming a new TV advertising campaign for Aldi, who work with Team GB and ParalympicsGB on the Get Set to Eat Fresh programme, helping school children eat healthier and live an active lifestyle. 

"I want to go as far as I can in the sport. It is important to learn new things and to learn how to present yourself in public, so it really if a great opportunity.  

"Social media is a big part of everything now, so knowing how you want to portray yourself can only be a good thing." 

Each year, athletes are nominated to SportsAid by the national governing bodies of more than 60 sports based on set criteria.

The Aldi-supported athletes will be receiving a £2,000 award through SportsAid. Aldi will also support their 20 athletes with a £25 monthly voucher, to fuel them through training, competitions and to future Olympic and Paralympic Games.

And the exciting young prospect is glad that brands like Aldi are looking out for young athletes and para-athletes.   

Bianchi added: "It is important that brands like Aldi continue what they're doing because if they don't, a lot of young athletes will stop what they're doing. 

"It is expensive, and it is a really big commitment.  

"I definitely think the grant will make a big difference to my progression over the next few years because I will be able to travel more and buy more things to help benefit me as a swimmer.  

"Having all this attention on us as young athletes is a big change. It is not something we're used to, but it is fun to meet a lot of new people." 

Aldi is the Official Supermarket Partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB and have partnered with Team GB since 2015, ParalympicsGB since 2022 and will be supporting them through to Paris 2024