FAQs
How and where is training conducted?
Training will be undertaken on a one-on-one basis or in a group dependant on the program and the sport. Exceptional facilities and enthusiastic coaches help to develop a sense of healthy competition and personal achievement in well-rounded individuals throughout the company. Access to a 50-acre site that includes running track, sports hall, gym, swimming pool, floodlit artificial pitch and a modern sports pavilion.
What is being done to nurture talent?
The strategy provides support for gifted and talented young athletes. A talent-development pathway that identifies and supports talented sportspeople from playground to podium is being put into place. This pathway includes exciting new initiatives like the Sports conditioning and Athlete development programs.
Why do some of my good young athletes fail to progress to adult level?
There is considerable research to show that performing well as a young athlete is not a good indicator of being able to perform as an adult. There are many reasons for this. Being gifted and talented as an athlete adds different pressure from those who take part in team sports: you have to cope with the pressure of competing as an individual. Some good athletes find this hard. In addition, some fail to cope with failure after significant success as a junior (often a consequence of early maturity). There is considerable anecdotal evidence of young athletes being pushed too far too soon, perhaps by coaches who focused on their own needs rather than their athletes. Transitions always make continuity hard: between schools, going to university etc. There are so many factors involved, and talent only takes you so far in athletics. Motivation, perseverance and commitment to training are all very important if an athlete is going to make it to the top. Finally, the lives of young athletes are busy and complex, it is sometimes hard to fit it all in.
Why is it important that schools support the development of athletics?
It is probably more a question of supporting the development of athleticism, certainly up to aged 13/14. Good teaching at the very early stages is crucial, along with appropriate year on year progression. It takes time to develop the fundamental skills and understanding associated with movements underpinning the ability to run, jump and throw.
What about introducing coaches into schools?
Through the coaches, the aim is to establish paid, qualified community sports coaches working at a local level to increase the number and range of coaching opportunities, according to local need, by 2012. It is intended that the scheme will result in:
- a step change in developing a career structure for coaching
- an increase in the number of qualified coaches employed at a local level
- quality standards for the recruitment, employment, management and development of coaches
- managed, quality continuous professional development support for employed coaches
- High-quality coaching with a focus on young people.
The development of a pool of high-quality community sports coaches will not only contribute to enhancing the quality of existing activity, but also provide the opportunity to generate substantial new activity over time. The pool of community sports coaches will be employed in a geographical area and will work as a team across a range of clubs, schools and local authorities, based on identified need and deployed in such a way as to ensure that the maximum number of young people benefit.
What will you achieve for me?
Your genetic physical and psychological limits.
