TALENT TOP CLUB

TALENT TOP CLUB

Clubs are an essential part of a world leading talent pathway; they provide the introduction to our sport, the early development and training environment for a broad base of potential and future athletes. Our vision is to have a vibrant, self-sustaining network of clubs dispersed

around the country, each one providing an inspiring high quality culture and environment for a junior base, while actively recruiting new members and developing its own coaching workforce.

Ultimately it is the athlete’s interactions with whatever environment they find themselves in and the choices they make that govern or limit the eventual success of the individual. Across a range of environments and contexts it has been shown that an individual’s self-discipline (and the choices this in turn leads them to make) is often the limiter over progression, ahead of any other measure (IQ, personality traits, social background etc.)

PRECONDITIONS This booklet aims to set out a model of best practice for the ideal club development environment for producing Canoe Kayak paddlers. It can also act as a means to aid club development through the ‘Club Health Check’.

REWARDClubs that make progress towards achieveing elements of the the model will be rewarded via GB Team athelte/coach appreances/workshops/coaching sessions for the club and its members.

CLUB HEALTH CHECKThe club can invite British Canoeing to assess its processes and daily activity via the ‘Club Health Check’ this will take the form of a semi structured interview and will help focus development to areas that will best add value.

Necessary for the talent development process but none of which guarantee success

Clubs are not built around brand new, state of the art facilities; even top performing clubs ‘make do’. In his developing years Michael Phelps (the most decorated Olympian of all time) did his gym sessions outside in a tent.

VOLUNTEERS –Everyone is encouraged to help and contribute, whether this is serving on a committee, volunteering to help to run events, providing coaching support (in any format i.e. coaching assistant) maintaining equipment etc.

WATER ACCESS- Consistent and easy access (or process in place) to moving water an d slalom gates.

FACILITIES- Club building (or part share of), incorporating appropriate gym facilities (along with the necessary health and safety/risk assessment considerations) and boat storage.

FINANCE - Long term sustainability of the club is assured through proper financial control (cash flow, capital balance, legality of land use (if applicable).

EQUIPMENT-A range of appropriately sized boats, blade and equipment in regular upkeep with an aspirational balance of 50/50 of Kayak and Canadian boats.

COACHES- Ability to provide (and ideally train through coach educators) a good quality, consistent and sustainable coaching workforce. Providing for suitably sized coaching groups at every stage of the pathway. Coaches have the opportunity to develop and are supported by the club to gain formal qualifications.

Assistance is available from your regional Canoe Development Officer to help identify and support suitable grant applications.

PROCESS TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE- Sound development of

fundamental skill sets and techniques in everything from boat specific work to gym work.

DIVERSIFICATION-Encourage a mix of other slalom disciplines, paddlesports and sports in order to guarantee effective development of both a robust athlete and a world class Canoe Slalom paddler

MENTAL TOUGHNESS/GRIT- Achieved within a challenging and supportive environment through tough physical group practice, positive mental environments and by providing awareness/learning opportunities. Early exposure to a developmentally appropriate performance environment.

CLUB CULTURE

LEARNING TO LEARN- A learning environment that inspires and cultivates an awareness and rational fascination with the skill acquisition process

LEARNING DIFFERENCE AWARNESS- Girls and Boys often prefer to learn differently an ideal club environment is sympathetic and reactive to the individuals needs whilst still accommodating the larger group.

ENJOYMENT- An environment that lays the foundation for effective elite long term learning but is delivered in a way thatis engaging, enjoyable and a pleasant experience for all those involved (both paddlers and parents).

A CLEAR AND COMPELLING VISION OR AIM FOR THE CLUB - The club has a clear talent development ideal, this is shared/enabled by the club committee (and is included in

the club constitution). CLEAR ‘HIERARCHY/PATHWAY –A clear and managed

structure of groups and sessions at different stages of development throughout the club (with a lead coach attributed to each group) providing numerous role models. Requirements for each level are well known and groups integrate regularly to learn from each other. Paddlers have opportunity to move up and down the pathway.

CENTRALLY COORDINATIED ENVIRONMENT –On wide scale through committee activity and through sessional activity through a centrally organised core group of coaches.

REGULAR NEW INTAKE-Systematic and yearly intakes perhaps through links to local schools/outdoor activity centers/scouts/leisure centers etc.

REGULAR RACE HOSTING-Provision of regular race opportunities.

How the individual looks as a result of their time in this particular club.

ATHLETE DEVEOPMENT ATHLETISCIM- Robust

athletes that have a broad base of sporting experiences, paddlesport and Canoe Slalom disciplines.

STRONG WORK ETHIC- Athletes that are prepared to engage in purposeful and deliberate practice appropriate for their development age.

MENTAL TOUGHNESS/GRIT- Athletes capable of maintaining perseverance to a given goal in the face of adversity, setbacks and failures.

TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE- Linking into the British Canoeing Athlete Profile and curriculum.

TEAM/GROUP ACHIEVEMENT CELEBRATED SUCCES/ROLE MODELS –The club celebrates and acknowledges the effort invested in the successes of its members/paddlers (Divisional promotions, members on regional/home nation/national squads).

STRONG TRAINING

GROUPS/SPARRING PARTNERS- Achieved through peer groups or vertical integration in order to normalise the notion of competition and the need to consistently challenge and push one’s self by learning and watching others.

POPULA

The measure of how all the different elements interact, interlink and combine in order to effectively produce elite athletes.

CLUB OBJECTIVES TION OF PADDLERS DISPERSED AND PROGRESSING THROUGHOUTOUT AND ACROSS THE DIVISIONAL RANKING SYSTEM.

The club has paddlers making steady progress throughout all the divisions and disciplines.

NUMBER OF PADDLERS THAT MAKE MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR NATIONAL GOVERNING BODY TRAINING SQUADS.As highlight by current selection policy guidance and relevant athlete profiling information.

SUSTAINABILITY OF THE CLUB (BOTH IN TERMS OF COACHING POOL, ATHLETE PROVISION, CLUB MANAGEMENT, GOVERANCE AND FINANCIAL CONTROL).Club provides for its current members whilst planning for its likely future members.

RETENTIONRetention within the club is monitored and dropout remains at lower than 20% of total annual membership. Effort is made to involve and retain paddlers within the sport/club (Recreational training sessions/coaching/volunteering/officiating etc).

British Canoeing Nottingham Office, National Water Sports Centre, Adbolton Lane, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham, NG12 2LU