The Sports Gifted & Talented Identification Programme aims to find young people who excel in areas such as speed, agility, balance and co-ordination.
Those natural abilities can give them the edge across a range of disciplines, and yet for many this may the first time that they have realised that they have the attributes that could see them succeed in and enjoy sport.
Children who are identified are invited to a free holiday programme where they will be tutored by top coaches from local clubs at their club’s facilities.
As part of a pilot project over last six months, 40 Year 5 and 6 pupils at North Ormesby and Brambles Farm primary schools were invited to a special session at Middlesbrough Sports Village on Monday (July 20).
Delivery of the project has been supported by sports students from Middlesbrough College and Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation.
Two students have achieved a Level 1 England Athletics Coaching Award through the project and are now members of and coaching at Middlesbrough Athletics Club.
The project - funded by the Tees Valley Community Foundation and You’ve Got This and led by Public Health South Tees – aims to break down the barriers to joining sports clubs, and enable children to explore sports they may not have previously considered.
Middlesbrough Mandale Athletics Club is also a partner in the project. Club Chairman Nat Creasey said: “We know that there are talented young athletes in every corner of our town and we want to give them every opportunity to take part and succeed in athletics.
“We are looking forward to growing this project and contributing to releasing the enormous potential of Middlesbrough’s young people.”
Councillor Jan Ryles, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Public Health, said: “Sport really is for everyone, and is a great way to keep in shape, learn new skills and make lasting friendships.
“This fantastic project is all about raising the sporting aspirations of children in Middlesbrough and helping connect them with the many excellent sports clubs, coaches and facilities on our doorstep.
“For those with natural flair and determination, a hobby can also become a passion and even a life-changing career.
“It’s well known that the earlier talent is identified the better chance it has of success in the long-term, and I have no doubt that our pioneering Gifted & Talented programme will help to unearth and inspire some stars of the future.”
