TALENTED ATHLETE PROGRAMME

The main aim of the Talented Athlete Programme (TAP) is to support talented individuals through a clear performance pathway. Through this, we hope that the athlete reaches their potential during their time at the School and continues to achieve well beyond. The programme takes the form of both practical and theoretical support sessions as well as mentoring activities. Session content includes strength and conditioning, lifestyle management, sport psychology and nutrition. We recognise that students develop at different rates and that physical skill alone does not signify athletic talent. The LUS TAP aims to identify and support all-round, multi-skilled individuals. A number of components contribute to the development of sporting talent in any sporting domain, with both physiological and psychological parameters taken into account. Heads of Sport will identify talented individuals during the first half term of the school year and will continually review these groups year on year. As these student athletes move up through the school, we would expect them to aspire to achieve 1st Team/Squad, and even Sports Scholar or Sports Captain status in the Sixth Form.

LUS TAP Criteria

 High level of physical prowess, particularly: speed, power and endurance  High level of cognitive sporting ability. Performers who can actively think and modify their actions, utilising strategy during play will be more successful  High motivation and commitment to progressing their skills  Highly coachable and have a great attitude- they listen to instructions and apply them to their performances  Multi-sport ability- currently performing (or the potential to perform) consistently in school A teams and/or in representational teams/squads/club sides in one or more sports  Ability to apply technical skills consistently across a range of activities