Talented young athletes were given the chance to train with coaches and players at the height of their game, thanks to high-performance camps developed at Bede Sixth Form College.
The intense one-day sessions were part of the college’s ongoing drive to support up and coming sporting talent in the Tees Valley.
Heading up the action, Bede’s Institute of Sport and Education (ISE) lead, Ian Hewitt, said: “Our aim was to give these young people, with a clear talent for their sport, an opportunity to see what it is like to train at an elite level.
“There are so many talented young sportspeople in our region, by working with schools and sports clubs, together we want to help break down any barriers that stop them from being able to develop and even go on to perform professionally.”
With more dates planned for next year, five high performance camps have taken place at the college in Billingham so far, in men’s rugby, women’s rugby, netball, basketball and women’s football.
“The response has been fantastic,” said Ian, who has been working closely with schools, community sports clubs and teams.
For talented young netballers it has meant the chance to train with players from Leeds Rhino’s Vitality Super League Team, as part of the college’s partnership work with Grangetown Netball, attracting young players from the Talent Pathway for England Netball.
While coaches at the men’s rugby camp included Rob Green, part of the Developing Player Programme, former Scotland junior player, Ollie Hodgson, and former Newcastle Falcons pro, Steven Jones.
Ian said: “It is incredible to be able to bring in these professionals to share their expertise, this is a unique opportunity that these young people wouldn’t otherwise get.”
A Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme dual career accredited college, Bede Sixth Form College already encourages talented young athletes studying at the college to continue to develop in their sport by offering a number of sporting academies that runs alongside their full-time courses.
Ian said: “Through the camps we are also able to make a positive contribution to the community.”
For dates or more information about future high-performance camps email: Ian.Hewitt@stockton.ac.uk
