Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy’s 2017 programme kicks off with a focus on rest and recovery.

Nick Littlehales, who has developed a reputation as a world-leader in the field after working with Real Madrid, Manchester United, England Rugby and Team Sky, will be among the presenters at the workshop on Friday, 13th January.

Young Island athletes will also receive diet and nutritional advice from Isle of Man Sport Institute Dietitian Hannah Crawford, as well guidance on stretching and the use of foam rollers from Sophie Robinson and Andy Watson, fellow members of the Institute team. 
The workshop will also include a session on mindfulness, which aims to teach the athletes the importance of rest and recovery for their psyche.

The Sport Aid Academy, a partnership between Isle of Man Sport and sponsors SMP Partners and Newfield, aims to equip the Island’s young sportspeople with the support, skills and knowledge they need to work towards becoming elite athletes.

Year two of the Academy began last October and around 70 young athletes, accompanied by parents, guardians and coaches, are expected to attend this month’s workshop.

Isle of Man Sport Aid Sports Performance Co-ordinator Chris Quine said: ‘The progress we see some of these young athletes making is amazing and it’s really rewarding to see the impact that the Academy has on both their training and personal development.

‘We have a fantastic programme for 2017, building on what the athletes learned in year one and the results the Academy is delivering are so impressive word is spreading; the next workshop will be attended by representatives of Northern Ireland Sport who want to see how the sessions work. It is great to see the Island setting the bar, which wouldn’t be possible without the support of our generous sponsors.’  

Mark Denton, Managing Director at leading independent trust and corporate services provider SMP Partners, added: ‘We’re really proud of what the Academy has achieved; we have a great set of young athletes who show real promise and a willingness to learn as they aim to represent the Island in the future.

‘The skills shared at the workshops are invaluable and make a real impact on their training, school work and personal lives. Rest, recovery and nutrition are all vital in sport and important to think of in everyday life, so there will be great lessons to learn from this workshop. We are delighted to be continuing our support of the Academy and to be able to make a difference to the participants.’

Mark Reynolds, a Director at eGaming firm Newfield, concluded: ‘The programme for the rest of year two looks fantastic and we’re proud to be supporting the Academy as it sets the standard in training young athletes to meet their potential. It really does highlight how important this programme is for the athletes who attend, their coaches and support network, and the Island’s sporting prowess.’ 

Photo - Young athletes at the first workshop of the Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy's second year.