19th December 2017

ATHLETE APPRENTICESHIP IN SPORTING EXCELLENCE

The 2017/18 cohort of athletes on the Athlete Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) programme undertook the final delivery day of the programme at Loughborough College and St Mary’s University.

AASE is a key part of the British Athletics Performance Pathway for young athletes aged between 16 and 18. The programme gives athletes the opportunity to learn and develop the necessary knowledge and skills required to progress into a senior international athlete. The year-long programme targets enrichment opportunities and further qualifications, but is also designed to support and complement club training.

European Junior 200m silver medallist Jona Efoloko and Commonwealth Youth Games medallists Holly Mills and Seamus Derbyshire were among the 185 athletes who have attended 11 workshops throughout the 2017 calendar year, which include one-to-one days with programme specialists across the country. Parents as well as personal coaches have also been invited to attend relevant sessions with their athletes and contribute where appropriate to their athlete’s programme.

The workshops have covered topics such as nutrition and performance, sports psychology, lifestyle, Clean Athletics education, social media and career planning. Practical elements included workshops in strength and conditioning, fitness testing as well as physiotherapy input and support.

During the year, athletes were given the opportunity to develop a range of skills that will assist them into the next stage of the pathway as well as progressing to further education or gain employment in a related field.

On the final day of the programme this weekend, the athletes attended a number of workshops from nutrition advice to massage training as they completed the programme. Olympic relay medallist Kelly Massey also spoke to the cohort of athletes on the journey she has experienced during her career in track and field; providing a unique insight for those developing within the sport.

Performance Pathway Manager for the Olympic programme, Dan Wagner commented:

“It is fantastic to see these athletes near the completion of the programme today after their hard work and dedication to AASE over the last 12 months. The enrichment opportunities of the programme offer athletes a chance to pursue a dual career pathway, learning skills to support their athletic development whilst pursuing further education and employment. This is an important part of the pathway for these 16-18 year olds as they progress towards becoming a senior international athlete.”

Read more about the 2018 programme here.