Rising Stars Squad 2011-2012
Athletics Northern Ireland’s new Talent Identification Programme, the “Rising Stars Squad” aims to identify young athletes who may be the talent of the future and develop their athletic ability using a multi-event approach. The Rising Stars Squad which replaces the existing Regional Development Squad programme will have a fresh coaching structure, broader age range (12-14) and the emphasis will be on developing young athletes with all round athletic ability, appropriate strength and mobility, and sound bio-mechanical technique for running, jumping and throwing. The squad will still incorporate the ANI Disability Squad. |
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Rising Stars Indoor Competition
The first Rising Stars Competition is this weekend on Saturday 4th February 2012. The competition will be in the format of Sportshall Athletics and everyone will compete in the 2 Lap Race, Standing Long Jump, Chest Push Throw(2kg Medball) and 6 Lap Race.
This is an opportunity for the Rising Stars athletes to use what they have learnt at the previous training sessions and compete against athletes from the other squads. The three districts competing are Londonderry/Derry, Belfast and Cavan.
Most athletes have already registered but it’s not too late to do so. The closing date for entries is Tuesday 31st January. An email can be sent to Catherine Crawford (catherine@athleticsni.org ) to confirm entry.
Rising Stars Competition Details:
Date: Saturday 4th February 2012
Venue: Cookstown Leisure Centre
Time: 1.30-5pm (Please arrive @ 1.30pm Sharp)
Athletes should wear their Rising Stars T-Shirt and dark shorts for the competition as well as footwear with appropriate support and grip for an indoor Sportshall. Please bring a packed lunch to keep you fully fuelled throughout the day. No fizzy drinks or cans please.
The Rising Stars Squad will be the first step on the ANI World Class Development Pathway and should be a stepping stone to the ANI Youth Academy Programme. The squad will also serve as a development opportunity for coaches and teachers giving them the chance to learn from one another, sharing knowledge, ideas and experiences. All coaches and teachers are encouraged to attend as many squad sessions as they can to benefit from the learning opportunity.
Programme Structure
Age Group: Athletes in Year 9 or 10 in Sept 2010 (12-14 yrs). Must be born after 1st July 1997 and before 1st July 1999.- Sessions: Athletes will take part in 8 squad sessions throughout the year (September – May) where they willreceive high quality coaching and the opportunity to train with other top athletes from Northern Ireland/Ulster. These sessions will take place on a Saturday or Sunday (Depending on Region).
- Regions: The Squads will be located in four regions. Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, Donegal Town and Cavan (Shercock)
- Cost: The cost for the whole year will be £50. This covers coaching costs, facility hire, squad T-Shirt, entry fee into two exclusive Rising Stars competitions and a barbecue at the end of the programme. This may be paid by the individual, school or club
- Entry Standard: There are guideline entry standards for the squad. Athletes applying for the squad should have achieved the standard (or have come very close to achieving the standard) in at least two out of the four events. They must be capable of running at least 800m (without stopping) with ease.
Contact
Catherine Crawford, Talent Development Coach
Mob: 075 8788 1490 Office: 02890 606 968
Email: catherine@niathletics.org



