Young Cannock Chase sports stars join national talent programme

Seven talented young athletes from Cannock Chase have been selected for a national sports development programme designed to help the next generation of champions fulfil their potential.

The athletes are among a record 1,700 people accepted onto Everyone Active's Sporting Champions scheme this year, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Since launching, the initiative has supported more than 6,000 athletes by providing free access to training facilities and expert mentoring.

Following Everyone Active's takeover of Chase Leisure Centre and Rugeley Leisure Centre in partnership with Cannock Chase District Council in April, local athletes will now benefit from the scheme at both venues.

The seven successful applicants from Cannock Chase include 17-year-old triathlete Ben Allen, who finished second in the under-17 category at the National Cross Country Championships in Sedgefield in February and trains at Chase Leisure Centre.

Obstacle racer Aaron Johns, also 17, secured a place after competing in the European OCR Championships in May and trains at Chase Leisure Centre.

Middle-distance runner Kamil Kolodziej, 18, who trains at Rugeley Leisure Centre, is also among those selected after winning county schools gold.

As well as free access to Everyone Active's leisure centres, athletes will receive mentoring from a panel of elite sports stars, including Olympic and Paralympic medallists, world champions and Commonwealth champions.

The mentoring team includes Lauren Steadman, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Emma Finucane, Maisie Summers-Newton and Richard Kilty, who will lead sessions covering topics such as mental wellbeing, nutrition, financial management, media training and social media.

Athletes will also take part in webinars with national governing bodies, while those aged over 16 will receive access to Everyone Active's new You+ membership, which focuses on health and wellbeing.

Olympic silver medallist and former world record holder Colin Jackson CBE will continue as ambassador for the scheme.

He said: "I am incredibly passionate about nurturing young talent and the Sporting Champions scheme goes above and beyond in this mission. With the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow taking place in July and August, I am more excited than ever to support athletes of all ages and from all disciplines to achieve their dreams.

"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 Sporting Champions scheme has invested more than £2 million in young athletes.

At the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, 26 Sporting Champions competed, winning a combined total of nine gold, six silver and eight bronze medals.

Dan McLean, Everyone Active's area contract manager, 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 each year is always amazing to see, and we are excited to be supporting more athletes than ever on their journey to sporting success.

"As a leisure provider working in partnership with Cannock Chase District Council, we feel it is important to cater for all sections of the community. We hope to make a real difference to our athletes' success and are excited to see what success stories the scheme will bring this year."

Councillor Mark Deakin, Cannock Chase Council's portfolio leader for leisure and culture, said the authority was proud to see seven local athletes selected for the programme.

He said: "This fantastic programme not only provides access to high-quality training facilities at Chase and Rugeley Leisure Centres but also offers invaluable mentoring and support from some of the country's most successful athletes.

"It is inspiring to see local sports stars being given the opportunity to develop their talents and pursue their ambitions, and we look forward to following their progress and celebrating their future successes."