Athletics Canterbury is please announce the introduction of a Youth Development Squad
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SQUAD FRAMEWORK
The Youth Development Squad Programme is for Canterbury athletes aged 14–19 years old who aspire to go further in their sport by recognising and supporting potential talent and achievement. It sets a foundation that will hopefully see more local athletes progress to achieving success at a national level and to work towards representing New Zealand at an international level.
Programme Goals:
- Motivate and inspire emerging athletes in the region by inviting them to be part of the development squad.
- Provide opportunity to connect with likeminded, aspiring athletes and coaches in the region.
- Build upon athlete current knowledge, skills, and aid in their continued pursuit of success in both sport and life.
- And above all, provide an environment where athletes are continually challenging themselves.
Programme Structure:
The programme is delivered across a ten month period, with a mix of practical clinics and education seminars for coaches and athletes to attend. The programme is facilitated by Athletics Canterbury and engages a range of service providers to ensure athletes have access to leading edge sports knowledge, facilities, and technology.
The programme is an opportunity for both coaches and athletes to grow and improve as they progress through their athletic development journey. Coaches of selected athletes will be encouraged to attend all activities with their athletes.
Athlete Eligibility:
- All athletes selected for the Youth Development Squad, must be a current registered member with Athletics Canterbury
- Age 14 through to 19 as of 31 December in the calendar year
- Be in good standing with Athletics Canterbury
- Meet the selection criteria
Athlete Invitation & Selection Criteria:
2024 Athlete Invitation Guidelines
Athletics Canterbury will invite athletes who meet the selection criteria as listed below:
- Placed 1st – 5th place at the 2024 New Zealand Track and Field Championships in age category event (Under 16 – Under 20 able-bodied and para events) or;
- Athletes selected for the 2023/24 Performance Development Squad programme run by Athletics New Zealand and are current Athletics Canterbury members.
Athletes who did not achieve the above, but meet the following selection criteria and would like to participate in the Youth Development Squad programme, can fill out the EOI Form with relevant performance information and will be eligible for selection to the Program:
- Athletes who were unable to attend the 2024 New Zealand Track and Field Championships, but achieved a result twice within the 2023/24 season that would have placed them in the top 6 results in the relevant age group or;
- Open able bodied athletes (born 2003 or earlier) who achieved an Athletics Canterbury age group standard or;
- Para athletes who achieved a performance equivalent to 75% of the Athletics New Zealand “B” Standard for the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
If you would like to be considered for the Youth Development Squad CLICK HERE for an expression of interest form or contact Ian Thomas.
Squad Involvement:
All members of the Youth Development Squad will be required to sit their C Grade Official papers in track, throws and / or jumps. Part of being role models for the next generation you will be required to assist at Colgate Games when held in Christchurch and also when not competing at our events come and assist at interclub.
All YDS members will receive apparel that is needed to be worn at regional and national events. Along with attending monthly sessions.
Athletics Canterbury are pleased to have Habit Health as a partner in the delivery of the Youth Development Squad programme. For more information about what Habit Health have to offer CLICK HERE.