Sporting types of all ages are being urged to get involved and apply to join the new South DerbyshireTalent Academy to coach future sports champions.
The collaboration between Derbyshire Institute of Sport, South Derbyshire District Council and Active Nation offers a support scheme aimed at encouraging sporting excellence. There are 60 places and it is open to all age groups.
The academy will support talented sports people and children to realise their potential, whether it be at county, regional, national, or international level.
South Derbyshire District Council is using funds from its former sports pass and grants scheme which supported para swimmers Lewis White and Megan Neave, and javelin thrower Bekah Walton. All have been coached by the Derbyshire Institute of Sport (DIS) and Bekah, 22, from Etwall retained her British javelin title in June 2022, throwing 51.87m.
Applications are invited to the scheme which will offer an annual pass to Green Bank (Swadlincote) and Etwall Leisure Centres and a programme of workshops hosted by the DIS’s world-class coaching team. The applicants can come from any Sport England recognised sport and must be South Derbyshire residents.
The council’s active communities and health officer Laura Winter said the new strategy would give an “amazing opportunity”to talented children and adults alike.
She said: “We are delighted theDIS has stepped in to offer the excellent coaching which has developed champions.
“Athletes in South Derbyshire have never had the chance to take part in anything like this and I hope they take the opportunity and apply. The level of coaching expertise is excellent and Derbyshire should be proud to have the community interest company on our doorstep.”
The DIS’s founder and managing director Chloe Maudsley said it was a fantastic scheme and something to celebrate in a Commonwealth Games year.
Chloe said: “Later this month we will have the Commonwealth Games just down the road in Birmingham and we expect around 15 of our athletes past and present will take part.
“This scheme is testament to the vision of South Derbyshire District Council to encourage sportsmen and women and children.
“We are looking for anyone of any age who wants to develop and learn more how to excel at their chosen sport.
“We are proud to have had ten athletes at the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics last summer and have a great coaching team who know how to get the best out of athletes.”
Those who are signed up to the academy will receive free workshops from DIS’s coaching team from the autumn.Picture credit Bekah Walton on TwitterTopics will include performance nutrition, physiotherapy and Injury prevention, strength and conditioning and performance psychology.
The scheme was launched in early July and already 30 people have applied. The closing date is Sunday, July 31.
Anyone wishing to apply should visit Funding | South Derbyshire District Council
Picture credit: Bekah Walton on Twitter
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