Information about the North East Regional Academy.
Any young athlete living in the North East Region who can meet the entry requirements for the North East Academy will be invited to join the squad The NE Academy as an affiliate for the first 6 months. The fundamental role is to provide a pathway for performance development and a route onto the England Next Generation Squad (ENG) and subsequently the World Class Programme (WCP).
Key test days are carried out each year around September but the door is always open to anyone meeting entry requirements throughout the season.
The NE Academy has a successful programme of performance development and has a proven record of assisting in the development of athletes onto the ENG programme.
The Academy will function around a regular programme of activities, which will involve:
• Specific training sessions throughout the season
• Support in developing a Strength and conditioning routine
• Bike selection and set up
• Guidance on planning your training, recovery, fuelling and rest.
• Training days
• Week long training camps
• Individual focus and feedback.
The NE Academy is also working towards selection through the following process:
• Identify talent by monitoring results at local events
• Direct talent by establishing links with local swim/cycle/run/triathlon clubs
• Provide support for talent via triathlon club coaches
• Guide and prepare athletes towards gaining a place on the ENG
• Develop young athletes in a holistic manner to ensure their continuation within the sport of triathlon and the athlete development framework.
To find out more about how Academies work please read our Academy Handbook here.
Standards
Athletes score points based on their swim and run times in the time trials. This system has been in place for a number of years, and as such, the Academy standards are currently subject to an internal review at National level. As a guide you can calculate your points score using your short course swim (25m pool) and track run times here.
The standard of athletes selected onto Regional Academies nationally continues to rise. As an indication of standard, the current North East Academy squad would all score a minimum of 300+ points under the current system to be considered.
Athletes who do not meet the above standards, but are interested in pursuing triathlon further are encouraged to join their local club and/or contact the Regional Development coach Steve Turner.
2023 Academy Trial Date
The 2023 Regional Academy trials day will be held over the weekend of Sunday 24th September, venue and timings tbc
The trials will involve run testing (1500m or 3k) and swim testing (200m or 400m)
All athletes interested (including existing) will need to attend the test dates to be considered for the 2023/2024 squad.
Following test date and achieving the required minimum points and invitation to attend a second screening (October half term) where athletes will be screened for use of rollers (bike) watt bike power and pedal profile, including the use of cleated shoes, mounting and dismounting. Conditioning robustness, ROM screening etc. These are minimum requirements/skills necessary to ensure inclusion on specific training sessions.
North East Academy Athletes
The NE Academy will require full engagement with the programme from athletes. This includes regular inputting of data on personal training diaries and attendance at sessions when required.
All new intake athletes will become affiliate members initially and will remain affiliate until such time that we have evidence of regular engagement with the programme.
Any questions relating to this area, please contact Colin Gardener, Regional Academy Lead (RAL):
