Young athletes couldget free use of gyms

The not for profit leisure trust launched the scheme in 2012 to give a helping hand to talented young athletes. They offer 30 spaces each year and are currently accepting applications from boys and girls aged 14-25.

Richard Bagwell, Group Sports Development Manager for Freedom Leisure said; “As a community leisure provider we feel it is important to cater for all sectors of the community including emerging talent.

“Since starting the scheme we have supported aspiring athletes across a range of disciplines from mainstream sports like badminton and basketball to minority sports like modern pentathlon and lifesaving.

“By providing free access to training facilities we hope to make a real difference and help young sporting stars reach their full potential.”

The Freedom Leisure Talented Athlete Support Scheme is the largest one of its kind in Sussex. Successful applicants will receive 12 months Connected Membership giving free access to 26 centres in Sussex including Rye Sports Centre and K2 Crawley, which was an official Olympic training venue for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Applications for the Freedom Leisure Talented Athlete Support Scheme close on 22 April 2013.

Athletes must be aged between 14-25 although applications from athletes outside this age range may be accepted in exceptional circumstances.

Applicants must hold a UK top ten ranking in a Sport England recognised sport. They must live in a district or borough with a Freedom Leisure centre or attend a club at one of their Sussex sites to qualify.

Freedom Leisure is the leading not-for-profit leisure trust in the South East. It manages 34 leisure and fitness centres across Sussex, Kent and Surrey. The latest addition is the Three Hills Sports Park in Folkestone.