Train to Win

Access to Athletics Programme for young people

As we move closer to 2012 Olympic Games, we become aware Britain is reliant on the handful of athletes to establish a high position in the medals table and continue to show the world the world class calibre of the athletes that represent out Country.

To address the issue we as a nation need to encourage young people to explore and participate in the different sporting events at a league level. This will provide regular opportunities for coaches and agents to spot and select talent across the county. Having an ever increasing number of young athletes to choose form will ensure that by 2016 Britain will have a large pool of individuals demonstrating a high level of sporting excellence to select and represent Britain, as opposed to being reliant on the handful of athletes we rely on to represent the country today.

The London Organisation Committee has the desire to provide young people with the opportunity to explore the world of sports, resulting in a positive transition from young, undiscovered athletes to world class, professional, “next generation” athletes who will represent the country.

To meet this the London Organisation Committee and the Olympic Delivery Authority have designed 2 funding opportunities organisations and individuals can apply for which will help young people realise their potential and aspirations: The Inspire Programme and the Get Set Programme.

These programmes are ideal for the many young people who lack the support, though demonstrate they have the real potential and ability to become professional athletes. A long term programme will provide the young people with the mentoring, support and personal development required to achieve the aims created by the Olympic Committee.

The only problem with these 2 programmes is that no organisation is able to submit an application until the summer of 2009. We believe we could start making a positive impact now.

The Extra Mile Group have designed a unique package: Train to Win, to drive up the performance level in every athletic event, establish a positive transition from undiscovered athletes to world class, professional, “Next Generation” athletes who could represent the United Kingdom in 2016.

Our programmes support the aims of the London Organisation Committee and the Olympic Delivery Authority as it promises to generate sustainable long-term benefits to our young peoples sporting, educational and cultural life. For the years leading up to the Olympic Games and beyond, Train to Win will continue to assess and record the achievements of the young athletes at 3 month intervals and raise the targets of achievement, ensuring that the young athletes continue to develop year after year. British athletic talent will increase to ensure that by 2016 Britain will not be putting additional stress on the handful of great athletes we rely on today, resulting in injury, tiredness and limited beliefs, but instead will be spoilt for choice when selecting athletes for world class competition.

By presenting Train to Win to the West Midlands (initially) we aim to embrace the Olympic movements values of “excellence, respect and friendship” and the Para-Olympic movements vision to “empower, achieve and inspire” by presenting Train to Win to young people from all social backgrounds, including those who are deemed at NEET, Anti-Social and Disadvantaged as they do not have positive support networks, both at home and within their local communities and are therefore disengaged from mainstream services.

Train to Win will commence a City wide search in schools, youth clubs, youth offending services and voluntary and refugee groups, by creating a series of competitions for young people to compete in. Those who demonstrate a potential to excel will be given the opportunity to participate in a 12 month athletic training programme.

Premiership football is a worldwide concept. Money is placed into the communities creating sporting opportunities in the form of programmes, venues and clubs that are accessible to all.

Football recruits young people from all walks of life and ensure that those who show great potential and require support get this support. They have academies set up to take those young footballers from strength to strength as they provide all the facilities and services of a professional footballer, from education to functional rehabilitation. Athletics could also be a model of good practice in Britain, establishing an athletics academy in every City, with partnerships in schools, youth clubs and support for parents and their children.

Our vision is that the Train to Win programme will become the example of good practice that will inspire others as the uniqueness of the programme is the partnerships we will establish to support the development of those who participate on the programme.

We aim to establish a partnership with the following:

  1. Schools and the young people who participate in the programme – This will enable schools and the programme to assist with the attendance educational development and achievement of the young people both on the Train to Win programme and in school.

    The school will gain regular updates on the development, achievement and locations of competitions and results of their students. Together we will aim to establish a network of regular supporters who will have the opportunity to not only be fans, but constructively help with the development of the athlete, i.e. fundraising, encouraging others to participate in sports, establishing a relationship with the local press, etc

  2. Train to Win aims to provide a separate programme to help support parents of athletes, so they can have the skills and abilities and support networks to assist with the success of their young people throughout the programme
  3. The Local Authority, Youth and Community groups within the areas where the young people live will have the opportunity to be in receipt of two of the participants of the Train to Win programme who will be mentors/ambassadors for their youth facility. The role of the young person will be to promote health and fitness as they deliver basic athletics sessions and host group discussions regarding their involvement and achievement on the Train to Win programme
  4. To establish a good rapport with the existing athletics camps so that the young people can meet, train, and compete with other athletes, as they become part of the athletic environment. This will also provide the young person with a multitude of exit routes once the 12 month programme has been completed

The parent/carer support programme will consist of the following:

  • An understanding of the commitment required
  • To look at examples of athletes training programmes and how their support is imperative
  • To learn the basics in health and fitness, sports nutrition and first aid
  • To undertake a cooking course to prepare quick, healthy and inexpensive meals for their child/ren
  • To have a support network of parents
  • Have access to a minibus to establish a pool car service for the young people needing to get to and from the athletic venue
  • Access to child care services.