SPORTS EXCELLENCE SUMMARY

What do I need to know? Identify the stages of Sport England’s development continuum Explain various socio-cultural factors influencing progression through the continuum Explain the role and structure of the WCPP Identify and explain how various organisations support the progression of performers to elite level Compare role and support given by EIS and UK Sport

Sport England’s Sport Development Continuum: Excellent Performance Participation Foundation This shows the progressive development of an athlete from beginner level to elite level

High level of ability and natural talent Factors influencing the progression to sports excellence. The physical and psychological qualities necessary to become an elite performer: High level of ability and natural talent High level of skill and fitness Appropriate somatotype for sport Motivation and long term commitment to train; determination to be the best Control of arousal levels Ability to accept constructive feedback Mental toughness, readiness for self-sacrifice, high level of self confidence

The Social and Cultural influences that can affect participation and progress Tradition of sports participation Popularity of sport at school Positive role models and media coverage to inspire participation Structured levels of competition Parental influence or pressure – family support and religious preferences Teacher’s specialities and interests Access to facilities in your area Availability of specialist coaches and support

Talent Identification and Development Programmes UK Sport, NGB’s and EIS work in partnership to finding sporting talent with the potential to win medals and world titles Talent ID programmes need to consider: Physiological factors: Fitness Anthropometry: Height for Volleyball and Rowing Psychological factors: mental toughness Hereditary factors or natural advantages Sociological factors: family support

Talent Identification and Development Programmes Why use Talent ID programmes: All potential performers can be screened Performers can be directed towards their talents Development process can be accelerated Make use of available funding Increase chances of producing medallists Co-ordinated approach between organisations

Talent Identification and Development Programmes Schools are a perfect place to find potential talent as it reaches the maximum number of children. Not all children are at clubs as they do not yet realise their potential in a sport Drawbacks Deemed expensive May miss late developers No guarantee of success Specialise early: too much stress and psychological pressure to succeed

What makes a Talent ID Programme Effective? Simplicity of record keeping, admin and clear roles Monitoring Systems built on good practice and appropriate tests Provision of sports services to support performers (sports Scientists, Physiotherapists) Well structured competition programme and development squads at various levels Specialist facilities and funding for different stages Performance lifestyle support to cope with demands of participation and work/education, family life etc

World Class Performance Pathway (WCPP) UK Sport set up the WCPP funding on 3 levels for Olympic and Paralympic performers Podium - supporting athletes with realistic medal winning capabilities at the next Olympic/Paralympic Games (typically 4 years away from the podium) Development – comprising of athletes whose performances have suggested that they have realistic medal winning capabilities (typically 6 years from the podium) Talent - designed to support the identification and confirmation of athletes who have the potential to progress through the World Class pathway with the help of targeted investment (typically 8 years from the podium)