Moving on from the success of the first National Squad, Sixty Five athletes and their Coaches descended upon the Swansea Indoor Athletics Centre on Saturday 13th October for the second National Squad.
The day began with an informative presentation on the UK:A World Class Pathway and the new Welsh Talent Development Academy (WTDA), that aims to increase the number of upwardly mobile Welsh Athletes that progress to the UK:A WCP.
Athletes and Coaches entered into another challenging practical session lead by newly appointed Welsh Athletics Performance Coach, Benke Blomkvist. The practical based session continued to build a foundation of fundamental movement skills that are essential for athletic development, regardless of event discipline. The sessions also provided an opportunity for Coaches to interact with Benke to gain an understanding of these skills and to actively participate within the session.
Performance Lifestyle was the focus of the day, with a theory based session looking at the need to develop a balanced lifestyle that is conducive for athletic development. Athletes and Coaches were given the opportunity to plan their weekly activity, looking in detail at their time management skills and the importance of adopting a Performance Lifestyle in order to achieve their goals.
The final activity of the day allowed athletes and their coaches to build on the previous weeks work with their respective National Event Coaches preparing for the third National Squad and commencing their winter training.
The day was a resounding success and we look forward to seeing the athletes, coaches and parents attending the third National Squad held at NIAC on Saturday 20th October.
National Squad returns to NIAC
The third in the series of Welsh Athletics National Squads returned to the UK:A Talent Development Academy and home of the Welsh Talent Development Academy, NIAC, on Saturday 21st October.
The day began by continuing the theme of Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) looking at four different areas; Hurdles/foot work, Medicine Ball training, Gymnastic based exercise and Postural Control. This was an interactive session that allowed athlete and coach to gain an understanding of the exercises and how to integrate them into their programme.
Athletes and Coaches caught their breath, and enjoyed an informative presentation from former Commonwealth Games medallist, Shaun Pickering. Shaun discussed the scientific principles for Power Development in athletic events.
Psycho-behavioural skill development was the focus of the day, with a theory based session looking at Imagery skills and the use of Goal setting, led by Dr David Tod from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. Athletes and Coaches were given the opportunity to put into practice the imagery techniques from the presentation on the track, with a practical based session.
The final activity of the day allowed athletes and their coaches to build on the previous weeks work with their respective National Event Coach, this time allowed a structured plan to be formulated for the coming months in preparation for the new year. Shaun Pickering was on hand for expert advice for all the throws athletes and coaches.
The third National Squad was a huge success, Welsh Athletics would like to thank Shaun Pickering and Dr David Tod for their expert input to the day and we look forward to welcoming them back to National Squads in the future.
We would also like to thank all the athletes, Coaches and Parents that have attended the three National Squads, we recognise the sacrifices made by many to travel to national squads and hope the experience was beneficial.
We wish you good luck for your training over the Winter period and look forward to seeing you at the fourth National Squad in March.
James Thomas Talent Development Manager 