THE NATIONAL SCHOOLS SQUAD WITH THE NSSA

THE NATIONAL SCHOOLS SQUAD

WITH THE NSSA

Off the back of a tough year, with very little action for the National Schools Squad, we look forward to the programme for 21-22 getting back to some normality. For us, the biggest news regarding the squad is the announcement of formal recognition by Snowsports England. A result of the schools organisation agreement which has been entered into with Snowsport England to align our visions of promoting Snowsports at every level.

The squad remains in place to help smooth the transition from schools racing into the club environment, we have partnered with Impulse Racing to offer a pathway into the club racing world. Impulse have been running training and races for us since our inception and are headed up by an ex national team coach with over 30 years experience within the British system.

We are the only schools organisation with a fully transparent selection criteria – children know exactly what they need to do to be selected and invited onto the squad. A medal winning performance is needed in one of the selection events. This can be as an individual or part of a school team.

For the 2021-22 squad, the selection events are: • The National Schools Outdoor Open – North –

May 2021 • The National Schools Outdoor Open – South –

May 2021 • The National Schools League Finals – June 2021 • The British Schools Indoor Open Champs – July 2021 • The British Schools Indoor Open - North – Sep 2021 • The British Schools Indoor Open – South – Sep 2021

2019-20 was a successful year for the squad with members not pushed toward a single camp and flexibility being key for their choice of camps making it easier and not necessitating time off school.

We ask that those selected, if wishing to take up a place, take part in the following: UK orientation day – this consists of skiing and other activities. Then either, two short Landgraaf Camps or, one Alpine camp. There is a choice of several dates for each of these and the emphasis on these camps is on skiing. We talk about fitness but believe this is not done on these camps at this level as it will increase fatigue, leading to a drop in ski performance and, potentially, injury. We have seen this happen with other groups and feel that the fitness side is best built at home, in the UK.

All those attending the UK day will receive a squad members hoodie for that year and those with full commitment receive jackets which they are free to wear to school, training with their club etc.

If you are invited to the squad, please reply with whether you are interested or not. We appreciate that not everyone can commit due to other pulls on their time, whether that be other sports or other skiing commitments.

For any further information or questions, please contact us on office@schoolssnowsports.co.uk