Talent Academies

What is a BWL Talent Academy…?

Talent academies are clubs actively engaged with BWL to ensure that young athletes are provided with safe, supportive and inclusive training environments and access to high quality coaching, that aligns to BWL’s long term athlete development (LTAD) strategy.

All endorsed Talent Academy clubs are expected to continually engage in the development of their club and continually demonstrate that they operate above minimum standards of practice in 4 key areas;

1. Club Health (Governance, Culture & Safeguarding)
2. Club Sustainability
3. Coach Development
4. Athlete Development

What are the benefits of applying to become a BWL Talent Academy?

Prospective BWL Talent Academies receive regular development support from BWL to help them upskill their staff and committee in the necessary areas of Governance, Safeguarding, Culture and Coaching. This is delivered through access to a variety of opportunities provided by BWL including;

• Discounts for BWL Coaching Courses
• Access to the BWL Pathway Community of practice for 2 names and licensed coaches
• Access to the BWL Pathway Hub and a variety of learning materials and tools for 2 named and licensed coaches
• Support & Guidance from a BWL Pathway Coach
• Access to BWL CPD courses for 2 named and licensed coaches (e.g. Essentials of Weightlifting Technique)

What are the benefits of being an Endorsed BWL Talent Academy?

Endorsed BWL Talent Academies continue to receive regular development support from BWL and have access to a variety of other benefits;

• Ability to use the ‘BWL Endorsed Talent Academy Logo’ on their marketing materials
• Endorsement and Promotion by British Weightlifting as a club who operates to high standards
• Opportunity to participate in BWL Talent Identification, Transfer and Recruitment initiatives
• On-going Support & Guidance from the BWL performance programme
• On-going access to BWL Pathway Community of practice
• On-going access to BWL Pathway hub for all named and licensed coaches

How do I become a BWL Talent Academy…?

In 2019 a group of Clubs who BWL identified as working with young athletes were approached by British Weight Lifting and given the opportunity to participate in an 18 month accreditation process with a program of support from BWL to develop their clubs and gain potential endorsement as Talent Academies if successful.

During this period clubs wishing to become endorsed clubs must engage pro-actively with BWL Regional Relationship Managers and Pathway Coaches to develop their clubs towards minimum standards of good practice. In February 2021 the initial Cohort of prospective Talent academies will undergo a final review to determine if they have achieved the necessary standards required for endorsement. Following this review BWL will announce how clubs can apply to become future prospective Talent Academies

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a BWL Talent Academy please complete the email stuart.martin@britishweightlifting.org