Ten Norfolk youngsters are being invited to apply for a place at a new sports academy which is being launched in conjunction with Norwich School.
The Young Norfolk Sports Academy (YNSA) is aiming to bring together young talent from different sports, to offer coaching in the various aspects of life for an elite athlete, as well as expert support, training and education.
The YNSA athletes will be part of a physical tracking programme and will develop their understanding of topics such as nutrition, psychology, injury rehabilitation and handling the media.
Norwich School completed a successful pilot scheme with their own athletes during the last academic year and is now extending the opportunity across the county.
Applicants need to be between 15 and 18 years old and be ranked in the top 10 of their chosen sport in their home country in their age group, and also have a proven record of performance.
Steffan Griffiths, headmaster of Norwich School and chairman of the YNSA committee, said 'Our aim is to identify, support and nurture students so that they have the opportunity to reach their potential as outstanding sportsmen and sportswomen as well as outstanding young individuals.
'I am proud that Norwich School is leading this initiative. We have the human resources and facilities to act as a hub with aspiration to sporting excellence and we seek to play a prominent role in the wider community.'
YNSA coaches and experts will mentor, monitor and guide the 10 athletes to achieve their potential, such as obtaining a professional contract or inclusion in a national governing body programme. The athletes will also receive a personalised programme suited to their needs.
Richard Sims, pictured, head of the YNSA, said 'We're really excited about the launch of the Young Norfolk Sports Academy. The initiative isn't just about doing sport itself, but about engaging young people with wider issues that affect elite athletes and providing them with the skills to excel in their fields.
'When I was young, this type of education and support would have made a huge impact on my career in professional sport. That's what the YNSA will do and I'm proud to be a part of it.'
Application for a position in the academy must be registered by Saturday, August 9. For more information, go to www.ynsa.org.uk.
Are you starting a new sports project? Contact reporter David Freezer on 01603 772418 or david.freezer@archant.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here