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SportsAid, the UK sporting charity that has helped people such as Steve Redgrave become national sport’s heroes, is looking for blue-chip sponsorship to back its first national fundraising day – National Trainer Day.

The Marketing Store Leeds has been appointed to promote National Trainer Day while increasing awareness of the charity itself and finding sponsorship partners.

Formed in 1975, SportsAid helps struggling athletes financially, for example with travelling expenses to and from training or getting to competitions.

Steve Redgrave is one of a number of top UK sportsmen and women who have received help from the charity.

Marketing Store Leeds marketing manager Jacqui Stock would not say if Redgrave would be one of the sporting celebrities behind National Trainer Day, but confirmed the charity was in talks with sports stars to endorse the day.

National Trainer Day is to be held on January 25 next year. People will be encouraged to wear trainers to work or school, paying &£1 to the charity for the privilege.

SportsAid plans to focus on the youth market over the next four years, breaking it down into three areas: blossoming talent for those recognised as talented; hidden talent to promote sports other than the national favourites of football and cricket; and misguided talent, to encourage youths to redirect their energies into sport.