Ambitious stars given sports support across Cumbria

Rising stars across Cumberland have secured a place on Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions programme, a national talent development initiative now in its 10th year.

The scheme offers free access to training facilities and mentorship from world-class athletes, supporting young sportspeople as they pursue their goals.

Alice Maddams, a 10-year-old athlete ranked number one in the UK for under-14 girls javelin and number two in discus, is among this year’s Sporting Champions.

16-year-old footballer Jack Bailey, who has played for Workington Reds for four years, and plays in the junior premier league. (Image: Everyone Active)

She is joined by 16-year-old footballer Jack Bailey, who plays in the Junior Premier League and has spent four years with Workington Reds, and 19-year-old county swimming champion and rugby player Jackson Jardine.

Tom Rice, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: "We are delighted to be providing exceptional support to this year’s cohort who have been accepted on Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme.

"The profound impact Sporting Champions has on emerging talent is amazing to see, and we are excited to be supporting athletes in Cumberland on their journey to sporting success."

Athletes in the scheme receive complimentary access to Everyone Active’s UK-wide leisure centres, including sites in Workington, Cockermouth, Whitehaven and Keswick.

19-year-old county swimming champion and rugby player, Jackson Jardine (Image: Everyone Active)

In addition to facility access, participants gain mentorship from an elite panel of Olympians and Paralympians, including Lauren Steadman, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, and Emma Finucane.

Workshops cover topics such as nutrition, mental wellbeing, social media, and media training.

Olympic silver medallist and scheme ambassador Colin Jackson CBE continues to play an active role in supporting the programme.

Mr Jackson said: "I am incredibly passionate about nurturing young talent and the Sporting Champions scheme goes above and beyond in this mission.

"My role is to pass my knowledge, experience and expertise on to the next generation of super-talented athletes.

"Seeing these future champions flourish throughout each year as they gain confidence fuels my excitement for what's to come."

Over the past nine years, the scheme has invested more than £2 million in developing young sports talent.

At the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, 26 Sporting Champions alumni competed, earning nine gold, six silver, and eight bronze medals.