A workshop on physical preparation for budding sport stars has launched the second year of the Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy.

Almost 70 young athletes, accompanied by parents, guardians and coaches, attended the start of year two of the Academy at Bemahague School last Friday evening.

Nick Grantham, an expert in athlete preparation, addressed the workshop, sharing experience built up over almost two decades as a sports performance professional including working with British Gymnastics, England Netball, the Rugby Football Union, several Premiership football teams and athletes at four Olympic Games.

There were also contributions from physiotherapists Ruth Cooil and Wendy Shallcross and Sports Psychology Consultant Sian Griffith, all members of the Isle of Man Sport Institute Support Team.

The Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy, sponsored by SMP Partners and Newfield in partnership with Isle of Man Sport, was launched in 2015 as a platform to help athletes aged 13 to 17 who are in the tier below those currently supported by Isle of Man Sport Aid.

During the first year the Academy hosted four workshops as part of a structured programme developed by Isle of Man Sport and Athlete Development Adviser Paul Jones. The programme, which involves parents, guardians and coaches, includes ongoing homework as the Academy seeks to equip participants with the support and knowledge they need to work towards becoming elite athletes.

At the first workshop of year two there were many familiar faces as athletes who attended the first year returned, as well as more than 30 new recruits from across a range of sports. The latest intake attended a series of ‘boot camp’ sessions in September to cover the topics which formed the first year of the Academy, ensuring they were fully up to speed for the workshop.

Isle of Man Sport Aid Sports Performance Co-ordinator Chris Quine said: ‘Year two of the Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy got off to a great start with our first workshop. Hearing from a professional with as much experience as Nick Grantham was invaluable, as was the input from of our own team members.
‘Once again everyone, both returning athletes and our new Academy intake, took full advantage of the opportunity to learn and benefit from the expertise and experience of others as they work towards achieving their full potential.
‘Physical preparation is obviously a key element to performance in sport, and at the workshop the athletes were able to hear about different approaches which will help them develop their own methods to realise optimum results.
‘While our first workshop has focused on the physical side, the Academy adopts an holistic attitude towards sport which is reflected in the broad range of subjects covered in year one, including respect and resilience, and the diverse topics planned for year two.’
He added: ‘I’d like to thank our sponsors SMP Partners and Newfield for maintaining their invaluable support into year two, allowing us to continue this important programme of developing the Isle of Man’s next generation of athletes.’

Mark Denton, Managing Director at leading independent trust and corporate services provider SMP Partners, added: ‘The first workshop of our second year shows the Academy continues to go from strength-to-strength, with the enthusiasm and energy of the young athletes clear to see. We’re delighted to continue our support so that participants from year one can continue their development alongside a new group of young athletes who are just starting their journey.

‘Nick and the other speakers at the workshop offered valuable insights based on decades of experience which will equip the athletes well. As well as the opportunity to support the Island’s up and coming sports stars, SMP was eager to support the Academy concept as it not only prepares the youngsters for sport, but also gives them important skills, such as self-discipline, determination and commitment to excellence, which they can use in later life whatever path they choose.’

Mark Reynolds, a Director at eGaming sector firm Newfield, concluded: ‘What a brilliant start to the Academy’s second year; a great turnout of energised and enthusiastic young athletes eager to learn and get some expert tips on physical preparation from people with a wealth of experience.

‘We’re proud to be supporting such a valuable way of helping the Isle of Man’s future sports stars develop towards achieving their maximum potential. As a business Newfield recognises and nurtures talent, equipping people with the right tools and environment to be the best they can be, so involvement with the Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy is a perfect fit for us.’

The Academy’s next workshop, focusing on rest and regeneration, takes place on 13th January.

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