VISION

‘To develop and support individuals with a positive attitude, sports potential, skills, knowledge and discipline to succeed in International Paralympic sports and life out-with sport.’

Preamble

The changes which have occurred in disability sport in the last 10 years have been wide ranging, significantly altering the way training and competition are approached by athletes and nations alike.  Opportunities to perform at the highest level in national, international, world and Paralympic sport are increasing for those with drive, determination and talent.  To aspire to these high levels of representation requires major commitment by Scottish athletes with potential.  Assisting athletes in their quest for success places responsibilities on Scotland’s coaches, support staff, National Governing Bodies of Sport and Scottish Disability Sport (SDS).

SDS has developed a Performance Development Pathway which aligns with Long Term Player Development (LTPD) principles.

Academy Principles Defined

·                    The SDS Athlete Academy is a vital part of the SDS Pathway.  It will provide a framework and support for developing athletes.  It will help them prepare for possible inclusion in athlete support programmes provided by the Area Institutes of Sport and ultimately the Scottish Institute of Sport.

·                    The SDS Athlete Academy will offer approximately 15 places across all sports.  Places will be reviewed on a six monthly basis.  There will be ongoing monitoring based on agreed programmes.

Key Academy Outcomes

·                    To provide Academy members with assistance and advice on sporting and life skills issues.  These will be offered in partnership with the existing support personnel of individual athletes.

·                    To provide Academy members with the best available and most appropriate resources.

·                    To ensure all athlete programmes align with LTPD principles.

Academy Qualification Criteria

Criteria for inclusion within the SDS Athlete Academy are in order of importance as follows:

Athletes must have –

Ø                 The potential to sign up to the athlete support programmes offered by the Area Institute Network

Ø                 The motivation and commitment to succeed in both sport and general life endeavours

Ø                 Been selected for an SDS sport specific national squad

Ø                 Competed within the SDS national events programme

Ø                 Successfully satisfied the SDS Academy selection process

Academy process

When an athlete is inducted into the SDS Athlete Academy a full needs analysis is undertaken in partnership with the athlete, support network and coach.

An individual programme will be designed and monitored.  The following components will be considered for inclusion at an appropriate pace.

·                Classification

·                Coaching

·                Performance lifestyle

·                Nutrition

·                Strength and conditioning

·                Sports psychology

·                Foundation information will be provided to help prepare athletes for what is available at Area Institute level.

Finalised programmes will require the agreement and commitment of all stakeholders.

For further information on the SDS Athlete Academy contact –

Ruari Davidson

Performance Development Officer

Scottish Disability Sport

Caledonia House

South Gyle

Edinburgh

EH12 9DQ

Tel: 0131 317 1130

Fax: 0131 317 1175

Email: ruari.davidson@scottishdisabilitysport.com