Talented Athlete Programme
Talented Athlete Programme
The new Talented Athlete Programme has launched to support national sport squad athletes representing their country at international levels. It provides those eligible with free entry to our leisure venues to help with their training requirements. We will also provide dedicated training opportunities and workshops designed to improve athletes’ performance. Furthermore, we will offer concessional access to our facilities along with further benefits to those competing in regional squads.
We’ve launched this programme with an aim to:
Support
We understand the dedication and commitment it takes to excel in sport. Our goal is to remove some of the barriers to training, such as cost and access to facilities. By providing free access to our state-of-the-art facilities, we aim to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder the progress of our talented athletes. Additionally, we offer tailored support services, including access to expert coaching, nutritional advice, and workshops, to help athletes reach their full potential.
Celebrate
We want to celebrate those doing well from North Ayrshire. Recognising and honouring the achievements of our local athletes not only boosts their morale but also fosters a sense of pride within the community. We also want to celebrate the coaches, volunteers, and clubs who help them get there. Their dedication and hard work are the backbone of our athletes’ success.
Inspire
We want the current crop of athletes to support the next generation to become active and enjoy the benefits of sport at whatever level they wish to participate. By sharing their stories, experiences, and challenges, our athletes can motivate young people to pursue their own sporting dreams. We will organise school and community visits, and digital storytelling where our athletes can engage with young people, providing guidance and encouragement. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where every young person feels empowered to participate in sports, regardless of their skill level.
Who can apply?
The scheme is open to athletes who meet the following criteria:
- Resident in North Ayrshire
- and/or a member of a North Ayrshire Club
- Age 14+
- Compete or train with their national squad (Free)
Or
- A member of their regional squad (Concessional Access)
Athletes must provide proof of squad selection or international call-up from their National Governing Body or associated regional squad which should be affiliated with the Sportscotland framework. We will consider each case individually as we appreciate that every sport is different and will base decisions on information received from each governing body after application.
What You Receive
Successful applicants will receive the following benefits:
National Squad Athletes
- A free KA Leisure membership which provides access to our gyms, swimming pools and class programme
- Free facility hire for training (Available from Autumn/Winter 2024 with terms and conditions to follow)
- Access to dedicated strength and conditioning classes designed to improve your sports performance.
- Workshops to help improve your performance including nutrition, mindset, goal setting and emotional intelligence.
- Access to a range of online resources designed to support you to achieve your best.
- Boditrax and Pulse body composition tests.
Regional Squad Athletes
- Concessional rate KA Leisure membership which provides access to our gyms, swimming pools and class programme
- Access to dedicated strength and conditioning classes designed to improve your sports performance.
- Workshops to help improve your performance including nutrition, mindset, goal setting and emotional intelligence.
- Access to a range of online resources designed to support you to achieve your best.
- Boditrax and Pulse body composition tests.
Programme Acceptance
Athletes will be awarded the Talented Athlete Pass in person (unless agreed prior) at a KA Leisure Venue.
Athletes will be required to have photos taken with KA Leisure staff once the application has been approved. The main staff contacts will be the Assistant Community Sport Manager and Senior Community Sport Officers, though other relevant KA Leisure and Active Schools staff can be used, if applicable.
Engagement
We appreciate that athletes are committed to their training/competition and at various seasonal levels of commitment. However, we ask that all athletes who join the programme support us to promote sport within the area. The engagement levels will be predetermined before the pass is awarded.
Examples of engagement events include:
- Attending a Community Sport, Active School Programme, Event, or Camp.
- Attending a Community Sport Hub, Event, or Programme
- Contribution to written/video Blogs which can be shared online and on our social channels
- Working with Active Schools to deliver direct school engagement (assembly, showcasing medals, presenting awards)
- Supporting KA Leisure and North Ayrshire Council events
- Become a KA Leisure social media ambassador sharing regular posts of their training.
View terms and conditions here.
