Recognising and Supporting National Level Athletes
“From my point of view the scheme has had an impact. What it did for me was help open up a good communication channel with the school, parents and myself…We actually managed to negotiate two mornings out of a week for training. I’m sure that I eXcel did play a part in this indirectly.”
NGB of an I eXcel athlete
The I eXcel programme is designed to help young athletes still at school who are competing at a national level in their sport. The programme objectives are to:
- Recognise the young athletes’ talent in their sport
- Raise the profile of the unique needs of the young athletes’ to the school
- Support the young athletes in balancing their sport and school commitments, helping them to fulfil their potential both in sport and academically
- Improve the provision and quality of mentoring support the young athlete receives from their school
- Improve communication between the young athlete’s parents, coach and school, enabling them to work more closely together
- Assist National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGB) in managing the sport/academic needs of their National level athletes
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If you have been nominated by your National Governing Body and have received an invitation letter you are eligible to register for the I eXcel programme. Please log in with the password and athlete ID supplied in your invitation letter. Click here to register for I eXcel |
Background
The Youth Sport Trust piloted the I eXcel programme in 2007-08 with three NGBs – Gymnastics, Diving and Hockey. In 2008-09 the programme was extended to two further sports – Canoeing (both flatwater and slalom) and Rugby League.
In 2009-10, a further eleven sports will be engaged in the programme taking the total number of sports to sixteen and number of young athletes nominated to c1500.
The I eXcel programme is part of the Junior Athlete Education framework designed to guide and help schools provide comprehensive personal development support to the young talented performers within their school.
How does the I eXcel programme work?
Young athletes are nominated onto the programme by their NGB against set criteria. The young athletes must be:
- Competing at a National level in their sport
- On the world class pathway or equivalent pathway for non-world class funded sports
- In full-time education (up to Key Stage 5 or equivalent)
I eXcel registered athletes receive a personalised I eXcel ID card (valid for 1 year) which recognises them as being of national level within their sport, and an I eXcel Athlete Guidance Booklet which includes the key topics of Communication, Planning and Time Management.
The athlete’s school Gifted & Talented mentor receives an I eXcel Mentor Guidance Booklet which includes sport specific guidance from the NGB. Regular opportunities for mentor training are also available.
If you are from a National Governing Body and would like to be involved please email IeXcel@youthsporttrust.org. Please note nominations must come from a National Governing Body of sport.