College Sport: Baradene College's training programme with a difference

Some of the students selected for the programme which caters for training and academic support through to guidance. Photo / Supplied

Baradene College is upping the ante in their sports direction with the establishment of a high performance programme with a difference.

The BEST programme (Baradene Elite Specialised Training) caters to all aspects of the athlete from training and academic support through to parent, coach and trainer communication and guidance with their sporting pathway.

Twenty students were selected for the programme in 2016. Ten receive an intensive training programme, with the remaining 10 undergoing testing and training once a term at the Millennium Institute, with a view to moving onto the intensive training programme.

The programme fits to the individual athlete's needs. Not all top athletes at Baradene were selected or applied for the programme due to their current training regimes being well catered for.

Whilst the programme is still in its infancy, the ability to offer an opportunity for Baradene's top athletes is forward-thinking. The coach, parent and athlete feedback to date has been very receptive.

Some of the sports at which Baradene often excel feature, such as hockey, netball, rowing and cycling.

The athletes are: Georgia Clode, Gabriella Hayton (athletics), Georgia Hall, Amy Pike (hockey), Vika Koloto, Bryanna Tamilo (netball), Madeleine Songhurst, Jenna Merrick, Abigail Morton (cycling), Hannah Pilley, Abby Murphy, Ella O'Connell-Biddlecombe, Georgia Webster (football), Charlotte Worth (water polo), Niamh McHugh, Ruby O'Brien (rowing), Summer Miln (swimming), Isabella Morton (triathlon), Molly Penfold (netball, touch, cricket)