South Ayrshire Council Launches the New Developing Potential Programme

South Ayrshire Council's Thriving Communities - Health and Wellbeing team have launched a new 'Developing Potential Programme', which will ensure athletes in South Ayrshire are supported to achieve their sporting goals.

The programme, which is supported by the Council's Sport and Leisure team, officially launched on Wednesday 28 August 2024. Held at Riverside Arena, the launch was also supported by Graeme Mathie of the Ayr United Football Academy who hosted a Q&A session with David Weir (Commonwealth Games Gymnast and current coach at Dundonald Gymnastics Club); Ollie Ecrepont (Ayr United Football Club); and Matthew Davidson (Great Britain and Scotland 7's rugby player).

The initial intake offers first-class coaching and support to twenty-four talented athletes who currently perform at regional or national level, from four local clubs - Ayr Rugby Club; Ayr Seaforth Athletics Club; Ayr United Football Academy and Dundonald Gymnastics Club.

Coaches from each of the four sports clubs will also be involved in the programme as 'Coaching Champions', working with experts within the sports science industry to develop their own knowledge and skills. The Coaching Champions will support the young athletes from within their clubs, whilst networking across different sport disciplines to ensure a strong development system is established.

Throughout the programme, athletes will be supported in a range of sports science inputs including strength and conditioning; nutrition; hydration; and sports psychology and will benefit from free access to South Ayrshire Council leisure facilities in order to achieve their maximum potential.

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure, Councillor Brian Connolly said: "The Developing Potential Programme is a credit to South Ayrshire.  We have many talented young athletes who deserve the opportunity to achieve their full potential in their chosen sports, and by reducing barriers, this programme will do exactly that.

"The selected athletes demonstrated a strong work ethic, positive attitude and a willingness to learn, and I have no doubt they will be successful. I'd like to thank our Thriving Communities - Health and Wellbeing and Sport and Leisure teams for their hard work and commitment in making this programme a reality."