Pictured above: (back/centre) Steve Aston, Investment Director, LDC and Andy Paul, Chairman, Birchfield Harriers, surrounded by the six junior athletes

Six junior athletes at the UK's premier athletics club Birchfield Harriers are celebrating, after securing sponsorship support from the Midlands leading private equity provider LDC.

LDC has committed to sponsor Birchfield Harrier's 'Junior Development' programme in order to provide much needed funding support to young athletes and coaches from across the Midlands region, all of whom are considered to be rising stars in UK track and field  events. 

Jake Porter (hurdles), Melisa Hansen (200m), Rowan May (pole vault), Josh Newman (shot put), Katie Stainton (300m hurdles) and Jade Perry (heptathlon) have a long standing relationship with Birchfield Harriers, having each competed for the club from a very young age. 

Each of the athletes currently compete at Under 20 or Under 17 level, and include some of the UK's most promising talent across a range of disciplines including hurdles, sprint, shot putt and pole vault. LDC's support will specifically benefit their training programmes by supporting the fees and costs they incur to train, compete and be treated should they require medical support or rehabilitation.

Martin Draper, Managing Director LDC Midlands said: "We are very pleased to be associated with Birchfield Harriers. The club is renowned within the athletics world as being the UK's premier training academy and so the deal brings together two great names from the Midlands region.

"Our sponsorship forms part of LDC's existing commitment to support local promising British sporting talent and we look forward to celebrating in the forthcoming successes of these young Midlands athletes as they strive to achieve individual sporting glory." 

Andy Paul, Chairman, Birchfield Harriers added:  "The LDC programme is a great new partnership for the Club. We are delighted that LDC has chosen to support a group of athletes and coaches that are seeking to achieve high levels of performance. We hope that this is the start of something that can fully illustrate the strength and depth of the club which continues to support outstanding talent from across the city and beyond."