A joint scheme between the Sport and Play Development Service and Leisure Services has been launched to support talented and elite sports performers from the East Riding with a training support package to access Leisure Centre facilities free of use in the run up to the 2012 Olympic Games.
The scheme is open to sportsman and sportswomen of all ages who currently reside in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Athletes can choose to access swimming pools, gym equipment and a variety of other facilities to boost their training needs.
The criteria for the scheme are as follows:
Evidence is required from the appropriate governing body to show the individual is a member of a national team or squad, listed in the top 10 of any national age group ranking or has finished in the top 10 in a national age group competition in the preceding 12 months in any sport.
Any playing individual within a team (not squad member) who has been part of a winning national team competition would also be eligible.
To download a copy of the application form please click the attached links:
The East Riding Sport & Play Development Service are delighted to announce that a number of sports stars have agreed to act as ambassadors to the scheme.
Katie O Brien (British Womens No 1 Tennis player)
Steve McNamara (Bradford Bulls Rugby League Coach)
David Byas (Ex Yorkshire Cricket Captian)
Tania Blake (Ex International 800m runner)
Katie, current Great Britain no. 1 tennis player, who was born in Beverley and grew up in Hessle said 'The TALCS scheme is a great initiative which will give local youngsters the chance to further their training and develop onto the international stage. With this in mind I am delighted to offer my support to the scheme and hope that we are able to see a number of athletes from East Yorkshire competing in the 2012 Olympics and at future international events'.
Steve, the current coach of Bradford Bulls, who attended South Holderness Secondary school said 'As a resident of this part of the world and a professional sportsman myself, I fully understand the need to give elite athletes more opportunities to train. Due to the costs involved in becoming an elite athlete, the free use of facilities is an excellent way to give talented performers the chance to develop their fitness and propel them onto an international stage'.
David, former Yorkshire Cricket captain, who was born in Kilham near Driffield said 'I am absolutely delighted to support this fabulous scheme. Any initiative that allows our future athletes to prosper by providing quality training and preparation facilities at minimal cost has got to be wonderful for the respective athletes'.
Tania, A former student of Bridlington School, represented Malta (her Mother’s native country) in the 2004 Olympics in Athens in the 800m, she has a highest world ranking of 15th (2003) and a personal best time of 1.59.56 (2003). Tanya stated, "I'm very honoured to act as an ambassador for the TALCS initiative"." Our local athletes work extremely hard and they deserve all of the help and support that this wonderful scheme offers them". "The East Riding certainly has talent and the results will speak for themselves come 2012". "This is a great time to be an elite athlete in the East Riding of Yorkshire!"
NEW! - Physiotherapy support for TALCS athletes:
An exciting new partnership has recently been struck between the East Riding of Yorkshire Council and NHS East Riding of Yorkshire’s Physiotherapy Service to provide sports stars on the Talented Athlete Leisure Centre Scheme (TALCS) with free physiotherapy at a range of venues across the authority.
From 1st December 2008, the scheme will enable athletes to access a range of specialist physio’s who will provide free support to athletes to enable them to return to competition in the shortest possible time.
Further details on how to access the physion support will be given to athletes once approved as a TALCS member.
For further information on TALCS, please contact Adam Toes, Community Recreation Officer on 01482 392524 or email adam.toes@eastriding.gov.uk
