ASPIRING athletes in Wellington are set to gain vital support in the run up to this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme has helped more than 6,000 athletes to achieve their sporting potential through free access to Everyone Active’s leisure sites, including Wellington Sports Centre, run in partnership with Somerset Council.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, a record 1,700 athletes have been accepted on the sports talent development programme.

Among those to secure their places in Taunton and Wellington are 39-year-old former RAF flight sergeant and adaptive athlete Stacey Denyer and 15-year-old combat sports athlete and martial artist, Joshua Scovell.

Stacey won three gold medals and one silver medal at the British Rowing Indoor Championships in December 2025 while Joshua’s achievements include being named ‘best competitor’ in the UK within his age group in 2024 and 2025.

Sporting Champions receive mentoring and guidance from an elite panel athletes comprising Olympic and Paralympic medallists, world champions and Commonwealth champions. They also share their experience and expertise through group mentoring sessions, covering topics including mental wellbeing, nutrition, managing finances, social media and media training. The workshops are designed to equip up-and-coming athletes with the practical tools and techniques needed to be at the top of their game.

New in 2026/27, athletes over 16 will also receive access to the You+ membership, designed to promote holistic health and wellbeing and centred around individual needs.

Olympic silver medallist and former world record holder, Colin Jackson CBE is an ambassador of 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 just months away, 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 poured more than £2-million into young athletes, proving its commitment to grassroots sporting excellence.

At the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, no fewer than 26 Sporting Champions competed, taking home nine gold, six silver and eight bronze medals collectively.

Everyone Active’s contract manager, Mark Washington, 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 from Taunton and Wellington 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 Somerset Council, we feel it is 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.”