The Coleg Powys “Sports Academy System”, and its “Performance Programme”, represents one of the most sophisticated player development systems outside of professional organisations, and affords Powys students the ideal opportunity to enhance their sports performance. It is designed to improve the performance of all College athletes, and thus can cater for any athlete keen to enhance performance from a wide range of sports. The Academy takes a holistic approach with the development of each individual player as its key aims. It applies cutting edge systems and techniques to ensure that each athlete is given the ideal environment in which to reach their full potential. By applying the latest sport science research, it ensures that Cougar Athletes have a distinct advantage over other athletes.

The Academy programme is based around the following strands:

• Quality Coaching
• Strength and Conditioning
• Sport Science Support
• Player Development Programme
• Competition

Coaching

Cougar Academy players have access to a high quality practice programme, delivered by qualified coaches. Practice sessions are built into player timetables, and are delivered during the normal College day. They are based around developing techniques, skills and tactics at individual, unit and team level. Where a specific sport is not delivered links are made with local clubs and organisation to provide the coaching element of the programme.

Strength & Conditioning (Cougar Power)

Cougar Power is an internationally recognised strength and conditioning programme, that represents the most sophisticated player development programme in any College Academy. It is built around long-term player development systems, and utilises the most effective and innovative systems, all periodised and individualised to allow for optimal development of each individual player. Cougar Power develops all of the key fitness variables characteristic of superior performance, including speed, agility, strength, power, co-ordination, balance, dynamic mobility, metabolic endurance etc. Sessions and programmes are delivered during the normal college day, and are written by highly qualified and knowledgeable staff, all certified at CSCS level by the National Strength and Conditioning Association in the USA. Cougar Power, and its programmes have been featured in international strength and conditioning publications.

Sport Science Support

The Academy uses the College’s well developed sport science facilities to directly enhance performance. Applications include, physiological testing, nutritional analysis, biomechanical analysis of techniques, video and notational analysis of practice and matches etc. Thus Academy players have access to support normally only available at the professional level.

Player Development Programme

In conjunction with the sport science programme Academy players have access to a development programme of education and advice that including sports nutrition, psychology, conditioning, media relations, career development. Again this puts Cougar athletes at a distinct advantage to other players.

Competition

Cougar sports play in Welsh Colleges leagues, providing a highly competitive game schedule, that matches Cougar players against the best school and College players in Wales on a regular basis. In addition The Cougars participate in local competitions, and players are able to trial for County and National teams, where Cougar athletes have been very successful in gaining national honours.

The Academy system is effectively using science to produce the modern athlete, and is the only choice for any sportsperson serious about achieving their full potential.

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