SBC supports promising young athletes and coaches
Tuesday, October 9 2007
Borders athletes, sports groups and officials gathered at Tweed Horizons last Wednesday (3 October) to celebrate the launch of the Scottish Borders Athlete Support Programme (ASP).
The programme, funded by Scottish Borders Council, gives athletes and coaches the opportunity to receive a range of services to help them reach their potential in their chosen sport.
These include f medical and physiotherapy services, sports psychology support, nutrition advice and enhanced access to training facilities across the region.
The programme was launched by Executive member for Sport, Culture and Community Learning, Councillor Graham Garvie, alongside Programme Manager of the Scottish Institute of Sport Foundation, Claire MacDonald.
Special guest was Ruaridh Cunningham from Stow, the current under-25 World Mountain Biking Champion.
Councillor Garvie said: “The Borders Athlete Support Scheme is an exciting and innovative development, providing support for both the athlete and coach in partnership, to maximise their potential with a view to having borders athletes competing at future Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games.
“We have raw talent here in the Borders and I am sure this scheme will continue to improve the infrastructure to nurture our future champions and coaches”.
The Council has committed £150,000 to the programme until 2010 and additional funding has come from the Scottish Institute of Sport Foundation.
Claire MacDonald said: “The Foundation is delighted to be a partner in this exciting new programme to find and support more young talented athletes within the Borders as part of our ‘culture of winning’ programme.
“The Athlete Support Programme recognises the crucial role of coaching development combined with talent identification in achieving international success for Scottish sport and will provide a range of excellent opportunities, including the enhanced support services currently only available to Scottish Institute and Area Institute athletes”.
Athletes eligible to apply include those who are currently competing at a level below that of the Area Institute of Sport and who may have the potential to compete at Scottish or British senior level within the next five to seven years.
Coaches eligible to apply include those currently working directly with athletes and who may benefit from enhanced facility access, continuous professional development opportunities, mentoring and coach education assistance.
Target sports include rugby, football, tennis, swimming, cricket, athletics, badminton, cycling and hockey, but athletes from other sports will also be considered against the ASP criteria.
For more information, visit www.scotborders.gov.uk/outabout/sportphysicalactivity
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