Champions of the Future Programme

The ActiveWestminster Champions of the Future programme is Westminster’s athlete development programme, designed to support talented young people who live, study or train in the borough. The programme provides access to funding, facilities, expert support and development opportunities to help athletes progress in their chosen sport.

The next window for applications will take place in early 2027. Please re-visit this page nearer the time for more details or join our mailing list to be always on the know.

This page explains what the programme is, who is eligible, the benefits on offer, how the process works, and showcases the current Champions of the Future cohort.

The Process

Please note that if Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions programme does not provide a bursary with their award, the Champions of the Future programme might still be able to if athletes are successful with their application. (In order to do access this funding, athletes just need to confirm their consent at the bottom of the application page).

Once you have submitted your Sporting Champions application, those who qualify for the ActiveWestminster Champion of the Future programme will be contacted upon fulfilment of the qualification criteria as set out above.

Those who are successfully admitted on to the Champion of the Future programme can be awarded a sum of financial support regardless of the type of package selected when applying for Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions Sponsorship.

In addition to receiving developmental and financial support, successful athletes are partnered with a local primary school to help inspire young people to be more active and lead healthier lives, as part of Westminster City Council’s strategy. This may involve 1-2 informal visits over the course of the year to meet with students and talk about your sporting endeavours.

The Benefits

The programme is open to athletes aged 12 and above. Athletes will be selected on sporting success and the level at which they are competing.

If you compete at district, regional or national level, you could get:

Funding to be used for travel, equipment and accommodation
Free access to Everyone Active leisure centres across the UK
Free access to development and support through our partnership with King’s College London, including workshops and 1-2-1 physiotherapy.
The opportunity to be recognised in ActiveWestminster Awards and other regional awards.
Help to gain coaching qualifications and the opportunity to apply for roles with Everyone Active

The Criteria

Athletes admitted on to the scheme are selected based on their sporting success and the level at which they compete.

To be considered for the programme applicants must fit the following qualyfing criteria:

Live, study or work in Westminster
Be registered with a National Governing Body affiliated club and either:
- be ranked in the top 20 at a regional competition in the current year (2024 – 2025), or
- be a member of a regional squad (age band to senior) with regional squad results in the current championship year (2024 – 2025)