1       Introduction

This document describes the aims and make-up of the GBR Training Squads at both senior and junior level.

2       Aims

The aim of the GBR Training Squads are to provide coaching, in the form of expert advice and mentoring, to athletes likely to compete for Great Britain at the next or future World Championships with the intention of equipping athletes with the knowledge, fitness and skills required to win medals at championships.

The GBR Training Squads are separate from GBR Teams, in that, athletes making up a GBR Team need not necessarily be part of a GBR Training Squad and athletes who are part of a GBR Training Squad may not necessarily be selected for a GBR Team.

The policy of the GBR Training Squads is to supplement any local club or Academy coaching athletes already receive. It is not intended to replace local/mentor coaching. In fact squad athletes are encouraged to find a local mentor coach to help them.

 Aims:

1.    Develop a small group of athletes capable of winning individual or team medals at the next World Championships.

2.    Develop fitness and skills suitable for the next World Championships.

3.    Run regular training camps.

4.    Provide coaching support.

5.    Monitor progress and fitness.

1.    Develop a small group of athletes capable of winning individual or team medals at the next World Championships, or more likely, future World Championships. 

2.    Develop fitness and skills suitable for World Championship level.

3.    Run regular training camps.

4.    Provide coaching support.

5.    Monitor progress and fitness.

Aims:

1.   Developa small group of junior athletes capable of developing into junior or seniorinternational athletes

2.   Developfitness and skills suitable for International level.

3.   Runregular training camps.

4.   Providecoaching support.

5.   Monitorprogress and fitness.

There are two potential sources of funding for paddlers aged between 12 and 25.

SportsAid 

If you are between 12 and 18 (exceptionally up to 21) and committed to training for the highest levels in Wild Water Racing, then you could be eligible for a SportsAid grant. Many former GB juniors have benefitted from these in the past and it is well worth applying for them. They are aimed at the 12 to 16 age group and if you are over 18 it might be worth applying for a TASS grant as well. Applications have to be in by 1st November 2008.

SportsAid grant scheme

SportsAid application form

TASS 

If you are aged 16 to 25 and in some form of education, then you may be eligible for TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme). It is aimed at the highest achieving athletes in the sport and the closing date for applications is 18th October.

TASS Sponsorship Scheme

TASS Education Eligibility Criteria

TASS application form