THE NATIONAL SCHOOLS SQUAD WITH THE NSSA

The NSSA are proud to select and run the National Schools Squad each year, with children selected from the NSSA Races in the UK. Off the back of a tough year in 20-21, with very little action for the National Schools Squad, we were very pleased to be able to run a programme for the squad throughout last season. With the support and formal recognition from Snowsports England, this was a great boost for our organisation.

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 their 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, affiliated to Snowsport England 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 2022-23 squad, the selection events are and have been: • The English Schools Indoor Open Champs – April 2022 • The National Schools League Finals – May 2022 • The British Schools Indoor Open Champs – June 2022 • The National Schools Indoor Open - North – Sep 2022 • The National Schools Indoor Open – South – Oct 2022

We are also looking at an additional intake from the following races • The National Schools Outdoor Open - South – 12th

Nov 2022 • The National Schools Outdoor Open - North – 13th

Nov 2022 • The UK Schools National Outdoor Open Champs – 20th Nov 2022

Last season we ran two successful squad orientation days with several alpine and Landgraaf camps allowing choice for all squad members and giving them options which allow them to continue with other sports they may take part in as we believe that, for young athletes, multisports is a great way for them to improve. The numerous dates also allow for minimal time off school for those that may be unable to take this time off.

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 is 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 trying to run above the level of the group 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 hoody 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 information, selection events for the following year will be as follows:

• The English Schools Indoor Open Champs – April 2023 • The National Schools League Finals – May 2023 • The British Schools Indoor Open Champs – June 2023 • The National Schools Indoor Open - North – Sep 2023 • The National Schools Indoor Open – South – Oct 2023

With an additional intake from the following races

• The National Schools Outdoor Open - South – Oct/

Nov 2023 • The National Schools Outdoor Open - North – Oct/

Nov 2023 • The UK Schools National Outdoor Open Champs –

Nov 2023

For any further information or questions, please contact us at;

office@schoolssnowsports.co.uk