Parkwood Leisure – one of the UK’s leading leisure operators – is offering free access to its Leisure Centres to support talented athletes with the provision of training facilities.

The Promising Athletes Programme is aimed at those competing at national or regional levels in sports recognised by the Sports Councils of England and Wales.

The initiative will provide individuals with free access to fitness facilities, swimming pools and group exercise, as well as off-peak racket sports, for a 12-month period.

After this time, applicants who continue to meet the eligibility criteria can extend their membership for another 12 months.

With more than 80 sport and leisure facilities across England and Wales, including over 60 gyms and 44 swimming pools, Parkwood Leisure is one of the UK’s largest leisure operators.

As part of the programme, members will also receive guest passes to use their local Leisure Centre with friends and family.

Commenting on the new initiative, Glen Hall, MD of Parkwood Leisure, said: “We know that one of the biggest challenges for up-and-coming athletes is not only the availability of facilities but also the cost associated with using them.

"In launching the Promising Athletes Programme, we hope to support local talented athletes enabling them to pursue sporting excellence. We also believe the programme will help nurture future budding athletes to realise their sporting potential."

The Promising Athletes Programme will open for applications on 1 September.

For more information including full eligibility criteria and the online application form, please visit this webpage.