Did you know that young athletes from ALL sports can apply to join the Athlete Performance Programme that is offered by East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) Trust?
Participants are offered strength and conditioning coaching, support and guidance to help them compete at the highest level.
Coaches will support athletes to build their confidence in the gym, develop the correct techniques and tailor their programmes to support specific competition preparation.
The programme has supported over 100 athletes since it started in 2014. and applications are now being invited for this year’s intake of rising stars.
One of the programme's current crop of athletes is Max, who joined the programme in March 2023.
Max, who trains as a footballer with a Glasgow-based club, had some words of advice for the next crop of athletes to be inducted on to the Athlete Performance Programme.
He said, “I already train several times a week with a football club and it was difficult to find time to fit in strength and conditioning at the gym. The APP gave me the perfect opportunity to be trained by professionals at a time that suited and didn’t affect school and my football training.
“The coaching is fantastic and is tailored to me personally and my specific goals and discipline. The coaches are also very enthusiastic, positive, passionate and encouraging and are always on hand to help. The facilities are also well equipped, and the exercises change regularly enough to provide enough variety to maintain my interest.
“The programme has helped me develop personally as well as professionally. Before I started there were areas of strength and conditioning that required development and were affecting my performance. The tailored programme has changed this and I really feel the difference on the pitch, where it matters most.
“I can't recommend the programme and the trainers highly enough. It's been a fantastic experience and one I'd encourage any young athlete to undertake.”
Eligible candidates must live or attend school within East Dunbartonshire and be aged between 12 and 18-years-old. They must also be available for two mornings a week for training sessions before school.
Jim Neill, Chair of EDLC Trust, added, "East Dunbartonshire is home to some of the most promising sporting talents in Scotland and this programme has been designed to provide support at a crucial stage in their development.
We have already helped many young people to fulfil their potential and improve performances in a range of sports, and I am delighted that the good work is continuing.
“The Athlete Performance Programme blends science, sport and support, and you don't need to be an elite athlete to take part.”
Applications for athletes at club/ regional/ national level of sporting performance will all be considered. The closing date for applications is 31 August, with sessions available at both Allander Leisure Centre and Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre.
For further details and an application form, visit Athlete performance programme, or e-mail athlete.performance@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
