The Concept: The ADC concept is a relatively simple one aiming to give athletes and coaches the best possible foundations in order to realise their true potential.
Through the Athletics Development Centres (ADC’s), at the three indoor centres (Cardiff, Swansea & Deeside) a central hub of activity within each region will be created.
There are 2 main elements to the ADC programme.
1. The Athlete Programme
Each ADC will operate a weekly athletic development programme that will have a multi event focus. It will be an open door policy for athletes and non club based children between 11 – 15 years to engage in fun athletics, as research identifies a key window of opportunity for development in this age group.
2. The Coaching Programme
Where possible, the athlete weekly session will be run on a non club night, to allow club coaches to be involved, learn and share good practice.
In addition to this there will be a comprehensive coach/teacher workshop programme delivered to developing clubs and coaches based on specific need and demand
The Philosophy:
To support Athlete Development / Education
• A curriculum designed to support foundations of athletic development in the 11-15 age group, establishing fundamental movement skills, conditioning, lifestyle, psycho-behavioural and technical/tactical competencies with a multi event focus (run, jump, throw).
Coach Development / Education
• 'Non club night' programme designed to support clubs/coaches and facilitate club coach involvement through observation/communication/interaction and exchange of ideas, reduction of working autonomy.
Regional Development/ Education
• Increased Regional/Club workshops based on the needs of the region, theoretical and practical based workshops that are coach focused.
Club Development
• An integrated support programme through Development, Education and Performance at the ADC's that will link directly to the Regions and the Clubs. Increased interaction/contact, sharing of good practice coupled with athletes developing sound 'athletic' foundations. Coach/Athlete pair development.
Consistency
• Direction & delivery across Wales using a curriculum of athletics development. Direct links with newly created 'Strategic Leads' for event groups at UKA.
Relationship
• To create a closer working relationship of coaches, clubs and regions to the areas of development, education and performance within Welsh Athletics and UK Athletics alike, hence reducing autonomy of working practice across all contributors.
The benefits of the ADC:
There are a number of obvious benefits to the ADC programme. It will look to:
Develop - Athletics foundations with a multi event focus, coach knowledge & understanding of LTAD, multi event training and other key areas of the sport.
Assist – By developing athletic foundations that will allow the Club Coaches to utilise these athletic foundations to develop the technical requirements of the event in the athletes, rather than remedial work.
Compliment – The good work that is already displayed in clubs, however as we identify the need to improve athletics in Wales we must look to improve athletes and coaches.
