Aspiring athletes across Rochford are set to gain vital support as part of a national sports talent development programme - with local volleyball stars, triathletes and other rising talents among those selected for the scheme's inaugural year in the district.
A total of 11 athletes from across Rochford have been accepted onto Everyone Active's Sporting Champions scheme for 2025, which provides free access to Everyone Active leisure centres, including Clements Hall Leisure Centre and Rayleigh Leisure Centre.
Now in its ninth year, the scheme has helped more than 7,000 athletes nationwide to achieve their potential by offering access to top-class facilities and expert mentoring. This marks the first time the programme has been available to athletes in Rochford.
The initiative is run by leisure operator Everyone Active, which manages local leisure facilities in partnership with Rochford District Council.
Among the local athletes selected is Esther Adesiyan, a 17-year-old volleyball player who will be utilising the facilities at Rayleigh Leisure Centre. Esther has built an impressive record including winning the 2024 U16 and U18 national finals, earning European Volleyball Confederation U18 team selection, and representing her region with a bronze medal at the 2024 Inter regionals U17. She is now targeting the North European Volleyball Zonal Association (NEVZA) U19 team selection while aiming to win the U18 national final again.
Joining her is Ben Brooks, a 25-year-old triathlete who will be utilising the facilities at Clements Hall Leisure Centre. Ben competes for Great Britain in his age group and now serves as a guide for the Paralympic development squad, working with his athlete Harry as they train for the next Paralympic Games. His aspirations include continuing to compete internationally while helping others achieve success by guiding them at major events across the world.
Alongside free access to Everyone Active centres, Sporting Champions will also receive valuable mentoring and guidance from an impressive panel of Elite athletes comprising world champions, Commonwealth champions and Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic medallists.
The scheme’s all-star line-up includes Richard Kilty, Lauren Steadman, Maisie Summers-Newton and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, while new to the panel for 2025 is Team GB cyclist Emma Finucane.
These Elite athletes will share their experience and expertise through group mentoring sessions, covering topics including mental wellbeing, nutrition, managing finances, social media and media training.
New for this year, Sporting Champions will also take part in bitesize webinars in collaboration with national governing bodies. The scheme will offer innovative hands-on workshops, designed to equip up-and-coming athletes with the practical tools and techniques needed to be at the top of their game.
Olympic silver medallist and former world record holder Colin Jackson CBE continues to support the scheme as its official Ambassador, working alongside the Elite athletes to help make sport more accessible within local communities.
Dan Humphries, Everyone Active’s Area Contract Manager for Rochford, said: "We’re so proud to see such a strong line-up of local athletes joining the Sporting Champions scheme this year. It’s fantastic to know that our centres are playing a role in nurturing these rising stars, supporting their development both in and out of competition.
“As a leisure provider working in partnership with Rochford District Council, we believe it is vitally important to cater for all sections of the community. We hope to continue making a real difference to our athletes’ success and are excited to see what success stories the scheme will bring this year.”
Councillor Mike Webb, Rochford District Council’s Chair of the Communities, Wellbeing & Housing Committee, said: “It was great to see Everyone Active bring their Sporting Champions scheme to our District. Initiatives like this support young sporting talent, helps them to train locally and gives them access to empowering guidance from elite athletes.
“Congratulations to all the successful athletes and we look forward to following their sporting achievements.”
To find out more about Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme, please visit ea-champions.com/sporting-champions/ or follow @easportingchamps on Instagram. For further information on Everyone Active, visit www.everyoneactive.com