Bank of Ireland and Athletics Ireland have joined forces to launch a nationwide search amongst secondary schools to identify and foster talented students.
The programme, which aims to encourage greater participation amongst secondary school students in athletics, will culminate in an athletics Mater Class with 200 top students with advice and tips from Ireland’s top sports psychologists, nutritionists and athletes including former European Indoor Championship gold medallist David Gillick.
Irish Schools Director Anthony White said: “Increasing participation in sport is a key driver behind the Bank of Ireland Talent ID Programme. We have focused on first years as it is a major transition in their lives and we are trying to make it easier for them to continue to be active. We are excited to be working with Bank of Ireland on this programme and we see it as a great way to introduce the students to the joy of athletics and hopefully unearth the next Irish star.”
Participation in the programme will see Development Officers from Athletics Ireland attend schools throughout the country to select approximately 1,000 students to participate. These students will be coached to develop their potential with Bank of Ireland selecting the top 10 students from 20 schools going on to attend the Mater Class in the state-of-the-art National Sports Campus in Abbotstown in March 2017.
Speaking on the initiate, Laura Lynch, Head of Youth Marketing, Bank of Ireland said: “We are delighted to announce our support of the Bank of Ireland Talent ID Programme in association with Athletics Ireland and would encourage secondary schools in Clare to sign up to participate. The programme will give 200 students access to elite athletes and supports that will help nurture their talent and produce world class athletes who will go on to represent the country on a national stage.”
To nominate your school to participate in the Athletics Programme see www.boi.com/athletics.