Youngsters enjoy Border Sports Academy 2008
Monday, September 1 2008
More than 100 young local athletes have enjoyed the annual Scottish Borders Sports Academy, which took place at the National Sports Centre at Largs.
The event, which is in its seventh successive year, is an intensive three-day residential training camp aimed at developing the region's young elite sporting talent.
This year, 106 athletes took part and were treated to a unique experience at the academy, where many national squads prepare for major international events.
The youngsters represented a wide range of sports including football, athletics, hockey, badminton, swimming, tennis and cricket and were specially selected to attend the academy by the regional sports-specific development groups.
Neil Renton, Sports Development Officer from Scottish Borders Council said: "The coaching programme of the Borders Sports Academy has been designed to provide its participants with the best possible opportunity to acquire and develop new and existing skills. Due to its success last year, this year’s academy was once again held at the National Sports Centre in Largs which is an exceptional facility where the youngsters benefit from some of the best facilities and training opportunities in the country.”
During their trip, the athletes took part in top-class training sessions, various workshops and unique experiences such as a visit to the Soccer Circus - the world’s first ever fully interactive football attraction at Braehead.
Local and national coaches led all the training sessions and were impressed by the attitude and abilities of the Borders youngsters - several of whom have been identified as potential internationalists of the future.
Councillor Graham Garvie, Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Community Education said: “We have raw talent here in the Borders and the experience at Largs is one which we believe is crucial for their development. This, combined with our excellent Athlete Support Programme (ASP), provides the support and learning experiences for these young athletes to maximise their potential with a view to competing at future Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games.”
The Academy was supported by SBC, the eight regional sports-specific development groups and the National Governing Bodies of Sport.
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