Inspiring Excellence

Commencing in September 2016

Emerging TalentProgramme

Developing emerging athletes across all sports codes from 15-18 Years Old

In Partnership with

The Mardyke Arena UCC, home to some of Ireland’s most aspiring athletes, invites athletes aged 15 - 18 years to apply for this new initiative. The Emerging Talent Programme (ETP) offers those eligible for the programme a specialised vehicle to fulfil their sporting potential through access to sports science, strength and conditioning, performance psychology, performance analysis, nutrition and lifestyle support. We act as a support function to the coach, athlete and parent.

Introduction

What the Emerging Talent Programme Offers?

> Develop athletes to maximise their physical performance and to compete at the highest level.

> Gives athletes the structured supports to achieve their goals/ambitions.

> The Emerging Talent Programme maximises the resources available at the Mardyke Arena UCC and puts the selected athletes at the forefront of everything.

> Athletes will be monitored and assessed on an on-going basis with regular communication kept with all relevant parties (coach, parents, etc.)

Support Structures

> Strength and Conditioning> Performance Psychology> Performance Nutrition> Lifestyle Management> the arena clinic Services> Access to our online

monitoring platform> Performance Analysis

“Since I started working out in the Mardyke Arena my stability, strength and stamina have all improved and as a result I am driving the ball a lot further, which is a great help to my game.”Jean O’Driscoll – Golfer – Represented Ireland U18 European Level

Staff ProfilesJeff GomezSport & Athlete Performance Manager

Jeff Gomez has been involved in athletic development with various sporting disciplines and worked with athletes competing at Olympic, international and national level. His involvement with those athletes allowed him to develop its own physical athletic development philosophy with a focus on working towards an optimum quality of movement. Jeff is currently a PhD candidate.

James has worked extensively within professional and elite-level sport having previously held the roles of Head Physiotherapist at London Irish Rugby Club and Barnet Football Club, and has previous experience within professional cricket with Surrey Cricket Club.

James also worked at the London 2012 Olympic Games and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games working with rugby. James currently works as a Consultant Physiotherapist to Cork City FC overseeing the rehabilitation and return-to-play of senior players.

Catherine PowerSports Scientist

Catherine is an honours graduate of the University of Limerick having studied Sports and Exercise Science. She has been an employee of the Mardyke Arena UCC since November 2014 working mainly in the area of youth player development and fitness testing and screening. She has experience working with local clubs and development squads from the GAA, soccer and rugby.

James Peckittthe arena clinic Manager

“I am the only player on the Great Britain team not based in England. But, because of the state of the art facilities, the training, expert advice and testing I get at the Mardyke Arena, my test results are always amongst the best of all the players in the panel every time we are tested by the coaching staff at our camps in England.”Rachael Vanderwal - Great Britain Basketballer & Olympian

Sam Healy – Long Jumper– Represented Ireland at the World & European Junior Championships

“My technique has changed so much for the better since I started training in the Mardyke Arena. The coaching advice is excellent and the coaches cover all bases with us.”

Len Browne Head of Performance Analysis

Len is head of performance analysis at the Mardyke Arena UCC. He has worked across multiple sports codes including the Cork GAA, Munster Rugby, Cork City FC and Irish Women’s Senior Rugby Team, to name but a few. Len is currently completing his masters in Sports Performance Analysis in IT Carlow.

Sarah CunninghamSports Scientist

Sarah has a Masters in Sports Performance from the University of Limerick. She is an employee of the Mardyke Arena working mainly in the area of youth player development and fitness testing and screening. She has experience working with local clubs and development squads from GAA, soccer and rugby. She is also TPI certified. Sarah has represented Ireland at junior and senior level for golf.

Eligibility CriteriaTo be eligible to apply for the Mardyke Arena UCC Emerging Talent Programme, you must;

> Be between 15 - 18 years of age> Compete at a high level within your chosen sport> Demonstrate a strong and ambitious mind-set

How to apply?To apply for the Mardyke Arena UCC Emerging Talent Programme, you must apply online via www.mardykearena.com

> The closing date for applications is Monday 29th August 2016.

Following a short-listing process, applicants will be invited to interview and meet the performance team before the announcement of the successful candidates.

For further information:Please contact the Mardyke Arena UCC High Performance Manager Nora AherneTel: 021 490 47 62Email: n.aherne@ucc.ie

Cost of programmeThe annual cost per athlete for all the services listed is €800.Direct debit options available.

“The location of the Mardyke Arena is perfect for me. I can get all my training done at a time that suits me and that allows me fit in as much training as I can without affecting my study, which is equally as important to me.”

Louise Shanahan - 800m Youth Olympic Champion