Loughborough University and the Laurus Trust are joining forces as part of a new initiative that aims to support the sporting stars of the future.
The University has partnered with the multi-academy trust, which has Ofsted-outstanding Cheadle Hulme High School in Stockport as its founder school, to deliver its ‘ELITE Pathway’.
The brand-new ambitious programme will provide selected students that have the potential to participate in sport at a professional level with the invaluable experience of living, training, and learning like a professional athlete.
Up to 60 students across the Laurus Trust’s five secondary schools will be selected to work with some of sport’s leading clubs and trainers in tailored mentoring and coaching sessions at the University.
Loughborough will provide the talented youngsters with personal training, strength and conditioning coaching, bespoke prehab and rehab sessions, video analysis, and links with nutritionists, psychologists, and physiotherapists.
Of the partnership, Dr Ash Casey, the Enterprise Theme lead for Participation in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and the academic lead on this project, said: “This partnership presents a fantastic opportunity to work with young people, their teachers, and their schools to enhance what is happening across their education.
“When the Laurus Trust first approached us about a partnership, it was obvious that they placed learning, personal development, and support of their students at the heart of what they were doing.
“This mirrors the University’s ethos, and this long-term partnership allows us to take what we do best – i.e., sport – and use it to enable Laurus individuals to excel.”
Ed Haslam, Laurus Trust Director of Sporting Excellence, added: “We’re incredibly excited to launch the ELITE Pathway to ensure every student has access to an all-round, educational, sporting experience.
“Our principles very much align with those of Loughborough University, and we are thrilled to have them on board to help support the training and education of our student athletes.”
To be considered for the ELITE Pathway, potential students need to meet stringent criteria. They must be playing at a regional or national level, dedicating a significant number of hours per week to their training, and have an ambition to play at a professional level with the potential to be accepted onto an international or Olympic pathway.