!!! Routes to sporting excellence in the UK

Question 1

How are elite athletes developed in the UK?

Answer 1

1. Identifying potential talent in sport
2. Supporting an athlete’s lifestyle
3. Supporting an athlete’s coaching
4. Supporting through research, sport science, sports medicine via the English Institute of Sport
5. Providing a World Class Programme or pathway to success.

Question 2

How is potential talent identified in sport?

Answer 2

1. Phase 1, a range of generic physical and skill based tests
2. Phase 2-3, tests in functional movement screening, medical screening and performance lifestyle workshops
3. Confirmation phase, selected athletes embark on a 6-12 month confirmation phase where they are immersed in the sport’s training environment,

E.g. over 20 sports are involved in #DiscoverYourGold

Question 3

What is the role of UK Sport in developing elite sport?

Answer 3

1. UK Sport invests National Lottery funds and income form gov to maximise performance of UK athletes in Olympics and win medals
2. 70% of UK Sport money used to:
   - Enable national government bodies to operate a World Class Programme
   - Fund athletes directly though the Athlete Performance Award

Question 4

What is the role of National Institutions of Sport in developing elite sport?

Answer 4

1. Provide sport science help to elite sportsmen
2. Work with coaches to improve performance of their athletes
3. Give technical support that enables athletes to optimise their health and training programmes.

Question 5

What is the role of schools and colleges contribute to elite sports success?

Answer 5

1. Providing PE for young people and often extra-curricular activities
2. Government supplies schools with funds to support to support development of elite performers
3. FA and RFU send coaches to primary schools to improve sports
4. Sports and colleges offer qualifications at GCSE and a level, with sport performance as part of final grade
5. Schools and colleges often run sports teams, playing fixtures, helping to develop talent.

Question 6

What is the role of clubs in contributing to sporting success?

Answer 6

1. Sports clubs are often in leagues which enable those with talent to gain competitive experience
2. Sports clubs nurture and encourage talent, often giving financial concessions to develop performers.

Question 7

What is the role of unis in contributing to sporting success?

Answer 7

1. Unis offer uni sports scholarships, allows access to special support services
2. Many top sports facilities are located at universities e.g. Bath uni have a bobsleigh facility
3. Some unis host centres of sporting excellence, which can be linked to a National Sports Institute.

Question 8

What are strategies to address drop-out rates from elite development programmes?

Answer 8

1. Programmes run by UK Sport include a lifestyle component that attempts to help athletes cope with demands of elite sport
2. Training advisors at EIS give athletes necessary skills to cope with special demands of being an elite performer and prepare them for life after sport.

Question 9

What are causes of drop-out rates from elite development programmes?

Answer 9

1. Poor performances
2. Family commitments
3. Pressure from media
4. Stress relating to financial impact of training
5. Commitments outside of sport.