England Golf is seeking 80 talented youngsters
across the country to form ten under 16 Boys regional coaching squads that will
undergo training over the winter months of 2012/13.
Having recently identified ten regional
coaches to lead its Boys' regional coaching programme from September 2012,
England's governing body for amateur golf is now looking for young players to
step up to the mark and get on the first rung of England Golf’s national
coaching structure.“We aim to give our talented young players the best golf development experience available,” commented Nigel Edwards, England Golf’s Director of Coaching.
“In return, we expect the players to commit themselves to a programme of golf coaching and physical training that will set them up for life, far beyond the U16 series of tournaments. By expanding our coaching commitment with this age group we are giving England Golf the best chance of success at U18, men’s and ultimately touring professional level in future.”
In a new development for 2012, players will no longer be nominated or selected for the regional coaching programme. Instead, young golfers will be asked to submit an initial application form and if successful will be invited to one of five squad selection weekends.
After competing with their peers in a series of skills tests, player profiling and on course ability they will learn if they have secured one of the squad places for the months ahead.
“There is no guarantee that the current best U16 players will automatically gain a squad place, they will have to work for it and demonstrate their desire,” expanded Edwards. “Current performance levels are a key factor but they will have to be matched and exceeded by work ethic, commitment and their attitude to improving. The player with more hunger and thirst for improvement is most likely to come out the more proficient golfer in the long run.”
An application form, detailing the full criteria for prospective squad players, is available on the Coaching section of the England Golf website.
The deadline for applications is Friday 17th August 2012.
