2009 dates and venue to be announced
Introduction
The inaugural NTOC was held in January 2007 with 97 young people attending. Close collaboration with the five national governing bodies (NGB) (sailing, canoeing, cycling, rowing and triathlon) on selection of the young people, delivery of some of the workshops and organisation of the physical training sessions assisted greatly in the success of the initial camp.
The NTOC 2007 was aimed at young people approximately two years below UK Sport Talent Selection and Confirmation. The NTOC was designed less about the young sports person being accepted or rejected by the system, but rather about them making informed choices about their potential future profession, and being inspired, motivated and sufficiently self aware to approach the challenge with insight and readiness. The camp also incorporated a one-day coaching workshop on the first day and a one-day parent session on the final day including a higher and further education market place.
The subsequent NTOC 2008 was held in January 2008 with 75 young people attending. The same principles applied; focusing specifically on the most talented young athletes in sailing, canoeing, cycling, rowing and triathlon. The NTOC comprised a number of sessions which were delivered in a range of interactive styles by former Olympic athletes trained in facilitation. These sessions encouraged the young athletes to learn about themselves, their sport, their contemporaries and the system they are supported by.
NTOC 2008 also included sessions for parents/carers and teachers on the final day to access a snapshot of the NTOC and learn ways in which they can support the young athletes sporting and educational careers.
The Camp is funded through the Gifted & Talented strand of the government PE and Sport Strategy for Young People (PESSYP) strategy. The next Camp is in January 2008 for approx. 100 young athletes nominated by their NGB.
Aim of NTOC
The aim of the NTOC is to prepare talented young sports people aged 14-16 for the personal, sporting, academic and vocational challenges beyond compulsory education and beyond 2012.
Objectives of NTOC
1. To provide identified young people with the knowledge, skills, understanding and confidence to fulfil their potential in their chosen sport
2. To offer insights into the world of performance sport for young people, both exploring the expectations and demands, and allow them time to reflect on their own talent and ability, attitudes and ambition.
3. To stimulate creativity and desire within the young sports people through an understanding of the history of their sport and the endeavours and innovation of the greatest performers within it
4. To prepare young people for life beyond compulsory education either through AS and A2 examinations or vocational education and training
5. To encourage the young sports people to continue in education and move into further and higher education where appropriate and relevant.
There are four strands to the National Talent Orientation Camp (NTOC) through which the young athletes begin to answer key questions underpinning future sport/life choices and influencing their approach to performance in the future.
1. Talent & Ability – Does my ability match my ambition? Do I have the mental resolve to be successful? Can I perform when it counts?
2. Attitude & Ambition – Do I aspire to be the best in the world? Do I love to compete? Am I being truly honest with myself?
3. Knowledge & Understanding – Do I know what an Olympic Champion looks like? Do I know what is expected of me? Am I a student of my profession?
4. Education & Lifestyle Support – Will my training environment allow me to reach the top? Do I have the family support? What educational choices do I have?
What the young Athletes had to say about the camp:
"This camp has been one of the best experiences in my life up to now. I have loved meeting new people it has been fantastic and I would love to do it again."
"This has been an amazing experience and I have benefited from everything. I would love to do it all again and I think other people would too."
"What weight we have on our shoulders to be the next Olympians."
"I would like to say thank you to everyone that has made the camp work. Hopefully I will be standing on that podium in 2012, 2016 and 2020."
For further information about the National Talent Orientation Camp please email performance@youthsporttrust.org
News stories from the 2008 camp:
Sports stars offer unique insight for Olympic hopefuls
Talent Camp hailed huge success by Olympic hopefuls and sporting greats