The National Talent Orientation Camp (NTOC) is a 4 day camp for talented young athletes (14-17 yrs) who are seeking to be part of their sports World Class talent confirmation phase of the Paralympic and Olympic pathways. It is brings together the combined experience and expertise of the DfES Gifted and Talented Education Unit, Youth Sports Trust, practitioners from the education sector, UK Sport, EIS and the World Class performance staff of the attending National Governing Bodies (NGB’s).
Aim of the camp:
To prepare talented young sports people aged 14-17 for the personal, sporting and academic and vocational challenges past compulsory education and beyond 2012.
Objectives:
- to provide identified young people with the knowledge, skills, understanding and confidence to fulfill their potential in their chosen sport
- to offer insights into the world of performance sport for young people, both exploring the expectations and demands, and allow them time to reflect on their own talent and ability, attitudes and ambition.
- to stimulate creativity and desire within the young sports people through an understanding of the history of their sport and the endeavors and innovation of the greatest performers within it
- to prepare young people for life beyond compulsory education either through AS and A2 examinations or vocational education and training
- to encourage the young sports people to continue in education and move into Further and Higher Education where appropriate and relevant.
- Talent & Ability - Does my ability match my ambition? Do I have the mental resolve to be successful? Can I perform when it counts?
- Attitude & Ambition - Do I aspire to be the best in the world? Do I love to compete? Am I being truly honest with myself?
- Knowledge & Understanding - Do I know what an Olympic Champion looks like? Do I know what is expected of me? Am I a student of my profession?
- Education & Lifestyle Support - Will my training environment allow me to reach the top? Do I have the family support? What educational choices do I have?
What the young Athletes had to say about the camp:
- "This camp has been one of the best experiences in my life up to now. I have loved meeting new people it has been fantastic and I would love to do it again."
- "This has been an amazing experience and I have benefited from everything. I would love to do it all again and I think other people would too."
- "What weight we have on our shoulders to be the next Olympians."
- "I would like to say thank you to everyone that has made the camp work. Hopefully I will be standing on that podium in 2012, 2016 and 2020."
Next Camp is in January 2008 for 160 young athletes nominated by their NGB.
3 clusters of sports will be invited they will include canoeing, cycling, sailing, triathlon and rowing.