More than 170 young aquatic athletes will benefit from the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) which means their long hours in the pool will count towards a nationally recognised qualification.
The Amateur Swimming Association is one of only four sports governing bodies and the only Olympic sport signed up to the scheme that is exclusively available to young people who have an excellent chance of making a career of competing in their chosen sport. Cricket, tennis and rugby union are the other three sports taking part.
The Apprenticeship is supported by the Learning and Skills Council and SkillsActive - the Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure and Learning, and was launched by Minister for Sport Richard Caborn MP this week.
The ASA has 170 16-year-olds from swimming, disability swimming, water polo, synchro and diving signed up to the first two-year course that consists of eight units including time management, career planning, goal setting, diet and training.
Building on the successful tradition of Apprenticeships in football, the Apprenticeship will also provide learners with a broader education to help ensure that each individual has the skills needed to be successful in an industry outside of full time competition. In addition, the curriculum will include training targeted specifically at those who will go on to represent their country, with modules on subjects such as sportsmanship and how to handle the pressures that success can bring.
Speaking at the launch, Richard Caborn said: “Being a professional sports person in the 21st Century is about more than just athletic prowess and sporting skill. You also need to know how to manage your lifestyle and career off the sporting field.
“I am delighted that through the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence framework there is now a structure in place to support the professional development of our most hopeful young sporting prospects. This is especially important in the run up to the London 2012 Olympics Games and beyond.”
ASA National Education Officer for AASE Michelle Kiff, a former swimmer herself, believes the qualification will give more athletes the motivation to stay in the sport at the end of their teenage years.
“The Apprenticeship recognises the skills athletes learn in training and allows them to combine their sport with education,” she said. “Athletes will benefit from extra regional support and will have access to tuition and advice on areas such as nutrition, sports science and strength and conditioning. Ultimately, we hope it will encourage more young athletes to stay in the sport.”
-ENDS-
For media information contact ASA media officer Amanda Smith on 01509 632238, 07876 652 318 or email amanda.smith@swimming.org
For information on the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence contact Michelle Kiff on michelle.kiff@swimming.org
The Amateur Swimming Association is the English National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Open Water, and Synchronised Swimming. It organises competition throughout England, establishes the Laws of the Sport and operates comprehensive certification and education programmes for Teachers, Coaches and Officials as well as its renowned Learn To Swim Awards scheme. The ASA supports 1,600 affiliated swimming clubs through a National/Regional/County structure. The ASA aims to ensure everybody has an opportunity to learn to swim.
www.britishswimming.org
Speedo is the world's leading swimwear brand. Founded in Sydney in 1928 Speedo has over 75 years of heritage and expertise in swimwear and launched the FASTSKIN FSII, the world’s fastest swimsuit, in 2004. Speedo is the Official Supplier to British Swimming and the ASA and provides valuable investment for swimming from grassroots through to elite level.
www.speedo.co.uk
