ATS National Academy new cohort gather in Stirling

Wednesday 13th November 2024

Athletics Trust Scotland National Athletics Academy athletes, coaches and parents came together for the first Development Day of the season on Sunday 10 November.

Taking place at the Stirling Court Hotel, the day consisted of a series of education sessions and workshops delivered by our partners at the Scottish Institute of Sport and scottishathletics staff.

The agenda included clean sport, performance psychology and lifestyle, and nutrition.

It was the first experience of the Academy for our 9 new recuits, joining the other athletes who move into year two of the programme.

The two-year education programme for talented track and field athletes aims to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies that will be essential in helping them move toward senior competition.

The day also provided an opportunity for athletes to collect the latest National Academy kit from our partners Joma, before getting to pose for new headshots.

Reflecting on the day, year 1 athlete Anna, 16, said:

‘I really enjoyed it. It’s been good learning about everything and to meet all the athletes involved’

Year 2 athlete Joshua, 16, felt that his first year in the Academy had put him in really good stead:

‘Lots of good advice that we’ve been given, especially on the nutrition side of things, for me was the big thing that I feel has improved my performance,

‘All the different aspects of the Academy, it’s been really beneficial to me and what I’ve been able to do.’

Watch our wee video below for more reaction from the athletes at Stirling . . .