SWIMMING UNVEILS INTENSIVE TRAINING CENTRES PLAN
British Swimming has begun the process of implementing a
network of Intensive Training Centres (ITC) designed to provide
a world-class environment for swimmer development.
The national governing body has written to 50m facilities
across Britain inviting an expression of interest to work
together with British Swimming.
And these centres will be key to an overall strategy designed
to maximise performance and provide sustainable success as
swimming moves forward.
The ITC network is a priority for British Swimming National
Performance Director Michael Scott who views it as a major
component of his strategic plan for the sport from 2009 to
2013.
"Creating a world-class daily training environment is
an exciting part of our overall strategy towards realising
our long-term performance goals," explained Scott.
"These centres will be the equivalent of a convenience
store for swimmers and coaches - the aim is to provide everything
they need in their development from the right amount of pool
time to sports science support."
Scott's plan is to have centres that will improve both the
numbers and quality of world-class athletes and coaches in
Britain by providing for every aspect of their training needs.
They will also provide a pathway of opportunities for athlete
and coach progression.
"These centres will act as a foundation for British
Swimming to achieve sustainable success in the future by providing
the very best training environments for athletes and coaches,"
said Scott.
"The aim is to raise standards with each ITC required
to work towards an agreed plan which will incorporate annual
performance plan for both the athletes and coaches involved
with each centre."
An important consideration for British Swimming's investment
in an ITC will be the relationship it has with the community,
as this is deemed vital to providing a pathway for athlete
progression as well as the promotion and development of the
sport in the area.
Pool operators will need to express an interest in providing
the necessary facilities and services by 20th February 2008
before being invited to tender from 22nd February.
British Swimming will meet candidates at a briefing session
in early March to answer technical queries about the requirements
for establishing an ITC. The closing date for tenders is 25th
April when evaluation, including site visits to potential
ITCs, will commence and a shortlist of candidates will be
compiled by 6th June.
British Swimming will evaluate all ITC candidates on a number
of selection criteria such as capability and capacity, track
record in world-class performance and economic viability before
announcing the location of the ITCs in July.
With performance plans in place, it is envisaged that centres
will become operational by the end of 2008.
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