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Golf Star Backs Sports Apprenticeship
Local golf hero Paul Broadhurst has ‘pitched in’ with support for an LSC-backed initiative to support Britain’s sports sta
rs of tomorrow.
Warwickshire-born Tamworth resident Paul was guest of honour for the national Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) golf awards at Stonebridge Golf Club, Meriden.
Several of the apprentices to receive certificates from Paul graduated from nearby Solihull College, which has developed the AASE in partnership with the LSC to support the development of 16- to 18-year-olds with the potential to achieve excellence in their chosen sport.
The initiative forms part of the LSC’s national efforts to direct public money into initiatives to support young elite sportspeople in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympics. Pilot schemes for other sports have taken place in other regions.
One of the budding stars to graduate was Craig Normansell, who says the programme provides a sound foundation for a career as a professional sportsman.
“In the lessons, there was a lot of focus on psychology and diet,” said Craig.
“You don’t realise how important the mental and physical side of the game is. Most people think you just swing a club and hit a ball but it’s much more complex than that. A lot of work goes into being a good golfer and this course teaches you how important it is to be disciplined and patient and have a good temperament.”
Fellow apprentice Nick Jenkins added: “It might sound strange but studying maths, psychology and nutrition helped my golf game enormously.”
After presenting the graduates with their certificates, Paul Broadhurst said learning programmes such as the AASE offer an environment in which sporting potential can be fulfilled and career prospects underpinned by relevant professional skills.
“Studying on a course like this is a brilliant opportunity for young people interested in golf,” said 43-year-old Paul, who represented Europe in the 1991 Ryder Cup and this year played his 500th European Tour event.
“There was nothing like this for me when I was younger and it can only bode well for the future of the sport.”
Solihull College AASE manager Andrew Schneider paid tribute to the efforts of his students.
“There’s a lot of conditioning involved, especially with units on technical and tactical skills, psychological skills and physical fitness,” he said.
“The students have worked hard, being forced to consider how best to manage the aspects of their lives which impact on their abilities as golfers. The way you manage your lifestyle is just as important as your golf swing.”
The presentation event was also attended by young AASE golfers from Sussex Downs, Brockenhurst and Richard Huish colleges.
skillsactive.com/training/apprenticeships/aase
