Things are changing in the world of ski racing. The need to build a pathway so that the next generation of Dave Ryding’s can have a structured and defined pathway through the sport to optimise their chances of reaching and exceeding their potential has started to be created. It is not something that can be implemented overnight and not something that has been created on the back of the proverbial letter. What Snowsport England are trying to create has been discussed at numerous meetings with those interested around the country and through online meetings.
While the new pathway is looking at the youngest age groups to start with, John Greenwood, part of the management group and a Snowsport England Director, explained that the new pathway is designed not to take away from the clubs, academies and training groups that are already providing incredible services but “this is for those that cannot afford the cost of that route.”
Greenwood continued: “It is OK if you are going down the Academy route but we are looking to make this aspirational and inspirational.”
A pathway has long been needed and this new structure is not seen as rigid and non flexible but is seen as looking to the future so that Sport England and UK Sport can recognise that there is a pathway for future stars of the sport.
The first step that the pathway has looked at is how to divide up England so that all athletes have an equal opportunity. Some of the existing areas, like the North East, have few clubs feeding into their area while others are inundated.
The new areas will be known as Combined County Areas so as to make the separation Fromm exiting regions obvious.
Greenwood was keen to emphasise that numbers that will be selected for the pathway programme will be governed by quality and not just there to fill spaces. Ski racing is a competitive sport and competition for places and selection needs to be a challenge to increase the standard across the board.
The selection to the Combined County squads, Greenwood continued, will be as level and as equal as possible across all areas. The dedicated coaches are at the moment being selected.
The hugely successful Dryslope Ambassador programme will continue for the time being as the aim is “to improve on what is already out there,” Greenwood added.
In a perfect world this would all be a free programme but training costs need to be met. This is not just selection on paper but selection to training days and camps. Training with like minded, determined athletes all looking to improve with some of the best regional coaches.
The costs for the year round programme will by £950 but if parents are willing and able to get involved this can be reduced to £750
Is this too little, too late or is this snowsport administration looking to take back the narrative that has drifted away from their control?
There is no doubt that the pathway vacuum that appeared as Academies and clubs produced strong programmes of their own needed to be addressed. Starting the programs with the youngest age groups, the U14 and below age group is sensible so that it develops as the athletes get older.
Targeting those that do not have the financial resources to meet the cost of other programmes is very sensible. Like most new programmes, looking to appeal to a group that are falling through the net will hopefully keep a few more racers in the sport for longer and increase the talent pool, both of athletes and coaches.
As with all programmes, the need for people to buy into it is vital. This is the first stage and Greenwood was clear in stating that the programme is flexible and can be adjusted as it develops.
This is about levelling the field.