The Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy’s sessions resumed on Friday.

In its fifth year, the Sport Aid Academy has seen 82 young people sign up for the programme in 2019 after being nominated by local sporting governing bodies and their secondary schools.

So far, there have been six workshops and one physical testing session since the programme’s launch at the end of September.

An average of over 60 young people and their parents attended each session.

For the first time, the academy has created ’tutor groups’ so that the young athletes are able to work with the same group of other athletes and facilitators at each event.

Workshop themes have included Understanding the Steps Towards Excellence, The Teenage Brain, and Planning for Performance.

Paul Jones, Isle of Man Sport athlete development adviser, has led each session, supported by the team of facilitators which includes a number of former international athletes to guide and encourage the young participants.

There have also been special guests including professional cyclists Sam Brand, Anna Christian, and Mark Christian, as well as local athletes Erika Kelly, Ollie Lockley, and Catherine Reid.

They all shared stories about experiences and gave insights with the young athletes.

There will be four more events through to the end of the April, after which the academy will close over the summer break before reopening in autumn for the second year.

The themes for the remainder of the programme include Diet and Nutrition, Rest and Recovery, and an Introduction to Sports Psychology. The young athletes will then develop these themes and learn about them in greater detail in their second year with the Academy.

Chris Quine, sport performance coordinator, said: ’One of the main things we have tried to do with the academy is to create a safe and mutually beneficial environment where we can all share information and learn from one another.

’This includes not just the young athletes and the facilitators, but also the parents and the special guests who can provide very valuable insights into maintaining a career in sport.

’We want the young people to see what a great place that the Isle of Man is to grow up and play their sport.

’Hopefully having the opportunity to meet with some of those who are out there and competing at a high level is inspiring them to want to try to do the same, as well as providing key insights into the tools and requirements they need to do so.’

The Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy is sponsored by the corporate services company SMP Group and racing firm Newfield.