Testing Continues for Pitch2Podium
Testing Continues for Pitch2Podium
by Rebecca Roberts 25.03.10
Testing athletes as part of the Talent 2016: Pitch2Podium programme is well and truly underway for 2010, with the second of five testing days taking place today at the League Football Education’s Competitive Edge at Newbury Racecourse.
Academy football athletes were put through the tests for strength, power and speed to see if they have the right attributes to make it through to the next phase and ultimately shine at Olympic Games beyond 2012.
“We have so far seen some impressive athletes who have showed potential” says Ian Yates, Talent ID Scientist at the English Institute of Sport (EIS).
“We’ve had a good sign-up from clubs and individual athletes so we’re hoping to have a good stream of athletes through the doors to this years testing days. More and more athletes have the programme on their radar now so we hope that we continue to see numbers coming along and if things don’t go to plan in their chosen sport, for athletes to consider their prospects on the journey to becoming an Olympic medallist” he adds.
Dave Regis, Head of Education and Welfare at Charlton Athletic Football Club said: “Footballers have a lot of transferable skills that sometimes don’t get realised unless opportunities like this are given. I brought nine boys along today and I gave them the option to come and have a go. It’s a great opportunity for them and even if one got through it would be great.”
The Pitch2Podium record sprint and jump tests were broken at the Newbury test day by Wycombe Wanderers player Jerome Frederico, he said: “It’s been brilliant. I obviously didn’t expect to break any records but it’s good to know I’m such a fast sprinter. Our manager told us a couple of days ago that we were coming and I really didn’t think much of it. Of course I always wanted to be a footballer but if I don’t get a contract, coming here has opened my eyes to other options for the future.”
The Pitch2Podium programme will continue its search for football and rugby academy talent in May where three more test days will be held across the country; 5th May in Sheffield, 7th May in London and 12th May in Stirling.
For more information about Pitch2Podium and for details on how athletes can sign up please click here