The goal of the academy is to help young judo players develop into young judo athletes. This involves working with the young athlete, their coach(es) and parents to design a path from where they are today to fulltime training at a suitable location.
We want the young athletes from Hampshire that go to fulltime training venues to be considered the best prepared technically, physically and mentally.
Our pathway is currently (February 2011) as follows:
- Young judo players train in their clubs, they may or may not be part of the Hampshire Squad.
- Young players become involved with the Academy. Initial discussions and planning.
- Young player trains in club and hampshire squad
- Young athlete trains in multiple clubs in Hampshire, Squad and Academy sessions
- Young athlete has short training visits to University of Bath and Camberley Judo Club.
- Young athlete graduates Hampshire Academy and moves to train fulltime at University of Bath or Camberley Judo Club.
NOTE: Young players may also be involved with England ExCell or BJPI programmes.
Our current exit points are Camberley Judo Club and University of Bath. At present these are the two locations that have the quality of training partners, coaching and facilities (including accommodation) we feel are suitable for fulltime training as a Judo athlete in England. Training in Scotland and overseas is also considered however our current pathway is to one of these two institutions.
The athletes involved in our academy programme will be between 12-18 years of age. We will aim to prepare them physically via a periodised training programme, technically in association with coaches in their club and elsewhere. We also aim to educate the young athletes so they have an understanding of the processes they are involved in and the scientific principles behind correct preparation for an athletic career. Equally, we aim to educate young athletes to the alternative choices to that of a performance athlete; there are many options within and without of sport that a talented young athlete might pursue; such as sports science, sports medicine, logistical support, physiotherapy, coaching, conditioning trainer, etc.
Parents and club coaches are all important and considered integral to all work with young athletes in the academy programme. We aim to use the existing string relationships and knowledge of the athletes as well as the skills of the parents and coaches to assist the players in their development.
Please contact us for more information.