North West Talent Project

Keen, budding sporting enthusiasts are sought by Northern Ireland Wrestling.

The search is on for the next generation of wrestling talent and the North West Talent Project is supporting the search as part of the NW Wrestling Academy Talent Identification project.

The North West Talent Project is organised in partnership with National Governing Bodies, Derry City Council and Sport Northern Ireland. The aim is to implement bespoke programmes that will maximise the potential for Talent Development within the area in relation to the sports of Freestyle Wrestling, Mountaineering, Hockey and Rugby.

1. Objective 1: to develop a pool of coaches who can effectively deliver on future talent development programmes to help young performers to reach their potential
2. Objective 2: to identify new and develop existing talent and integrate with the Governing Body performer pathways
3. Objective 3: to share best working practice as coaches, reflect upon their coaching experience and address their future development needs

Talent ID Consultant for Sport NI, Les Dewart said,”This is an exciting time for young people and also coaches to get involved in this new project”.

I would particularly appeal to teachers, community organisations and families to give the local boys and girls the opportunity to come and get a feel for a fantastic Olympic sport, learn new skills with the longer term potential to represent your country”

Barry Pollin from the NI Wrestling Association (NIWA) said, “This enterprise represents the first steps in a new approach to grassroots development and talent identification. We will place the best coaches in the Campus to ensure that the young people have a productive, safe and enjoyable time”

Members of the North West Talent Project will host a Freestyle Wrestling trial day under the supervision of qualified NIWA Talent ID coaches.

The event is open to young people of all ages, both male and female, and the idea is to introduce the sport to a greater audience and find new athletes who have the necessary basic skills to progress further and perhaps, represent the North West in squads and competitions.

The trial will take place at the University of Ulster Magee Sports Campus, Northland Road, BT48 7JL 10:00am – 12 midday on 10th December 2011.