Under 11 & 13 Talent Development Centres
In association with Squash New Zealand, SquashGym Palmerston North will be the first club to undertake an exciting new ‘Talent Development Centre' venture in 2012. The Talent Development Centre will cater for the leading under 11 and 13 squash players in the surrounding districts in the lower North Island.
In association with Squash New Zealand, SquashGym Palmerston North will be the first club to undertake an exciting new ‘Talent Development Centre' venture in 2012. The Talent Development Centre will cater for the leading under 11 and 13 squash players in the surrounding districts in the lower North Island.
The programme, which will consist of three weekend camps over the course of the season, is endorsed by Squash New Zealand and recognised as being a key part of the player pathway from district to National level. As such, coaching, training, education and development opportunities will be provided for younger players showing talent at regional/national events. In order for players to be introduced early to the themes being delivered at National Squads, the New Zealand High Performance Coach will provide support to the coaches to plan the three camps. Squash New Zealand will also make a financial contribution towards the running of the programme.
Ultimately, Squash New Zealand would like to see two additional Talent Development Centres established, one in the upper North Island and one in the South Island. Expressions of interest are welcomed from clubs/districts wishing to find out more details of how the programme would run and what support is available.
High Performance Coach Paul Hornsby said “The Talent Development Centre Programme is designed to offer increased support to the country's most talented under 11 and 13 players, allowing them to train in a squad environment alongside their competitors. The benefits are clear to see in terms of education and development of both players and coaches. The ideal would be for us to create three centres across the country, this would make the sessions more accessible as well as creating a larger pool of refined players to feed the National Development Squads in future years.”
Grant Smith, who has been instrumental in negotiations with Squash New Zealand had this to say, “SquashGym Palmerston North is excited to be a pilot in Squash NZ's new Talent ID and development camps for Under 11 and 13 age-groups to be held at Massey University and SquashGym in 2012. It is a continuation and step up from our own Club Academy which has been very successful in producing a stream of NZ Junior and ranked players. Squash players begin early and capturing junior talent at this age group is vital to progressing the sport in New Zealand. We thank partners Squash NZ, Sport Manawatu and Massey University.”
Clubs, districts or organisations interested in running a Talent Development Centre in either the upper North or South Island should contact Squash New Zealand. In the first instance, interest should be registered by email to Squash Director, Michael Pittams michael@squashnz.co.nz before 23 December 2011.
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With our policy of social inclusion and participation for all, we actively work to involve players with disabilities at all levels of participation and competition at whatever level each individual feels comfortable.