Sports Partnership Is Medal Winning
17 November 2010
Daniel Caines with members of Derbyshire McCain Athletics Network receiving the award
The partnership is going to be incredibly valuable for Derbyshire's young athletes and future sports professionals.
”Daniel Caines, former 400m World Champion
Head coach of Derventio, Andi Manley with swimmers
Excellent teamwork has bagged the University of Derby an award from England Athletics.
A link-up between the University and Derbyshire McCain Athletics Network which aims to develop University sports students while nurturing Derbyshire's young athletes, has won its 'Club Partnership of the Year' award.
The partnership was formed in January 2010. And since the start of this academic year, students on the University's (BSc) Sport and Exercise Science and Sports Development degree programmes have been spending time with local sports clubs within the Derbyshire Athletics Network including Derby, Amber Valley, Chesterfield and District, and Buxton Athletics Clubs, to gain vital work experience.
In exchange, the University's sport academics and students are delivering workshops for club coaches in strength and conditioning, psychology, nutrition and biomechanics; and are providing physiotherapy support for athletes at events and club sessions within the Derbyshire network. The University will also allow local clubs to use its sports facilities.
Dr John Pates, Lecturer in Sports Psychology at the University of Derby Buxton, said: "It was fantastic to be recognised for what we and the Derbyshire Network have achieved so far, and we're incredibly excited about the future.
"Our sports students will gain so much from working with young athletes in these high level coaching environments. They will be able to apply what they learn in athletics to any other area of sport they may wish to go in to."
Former 400m World Champion Daniel Caines, who is a consultant for Derbyshire McCain Athletics Network, said: "The partnership is going to be incredibly valuable for Derbyshire's young athletes and future sports professionals.
"By bringing together the network's clubs with University sport experts we hope to develop the knowledge and skills of our coaches, who will take this back to their clubs to the benefit of many young athletes, both now and in the future."
England Athletics Head of Marketing and Strategy, Chris Jones said: "We wanted to recognise this partnership for the valuable work they're doing to further athletics in their local community.
"Both partners in this project look to be dedicated to ensuring their work has long-lasting, sustainable results which benefits athletics and the University."
Academics from the University have also been working with other local sports clubs, including Burton Albion FC, Ilkeston Town FC Academy and elite swimming club Derventio Excel.
Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science Dr Peter Jones said: "The work that we are doing at both our Buxton and Kedleston Road sites is helping our regional sporting starts meet their true potential."
For more details of the University of Derby Sport Science support email: perform@derby.ac.uk
For more information please contact Press & PR Officer Joanna Colburn on 01332 593004 or 07775 036988, or email j.colburn@derby.ac.uk
