2011 County Academy assessment day

Promising young golfers in Staffordshire still have the chance to sign up for the  2011 County Academy programme.

The scheme is aimed at helping talented boys and girls with potential, some of whom may not have a handicap or even a great deal of golfing experience.

Those taking part do not even need to be members of a golf club.

Last year more than 100 youngsters received coaching under the Academy programme at a number of clubs throughout Staffordshire.

An academy assessment day is being held at Leek Golf Club on 26 August between 2 and 2.30pm, although this may be extended depending on numbers. It is open to  youngsters between the ages of 8 and 16.

Anyone wishing to take part needs to register in advance. Online registration is available via the Staffordshire County Golf Partnership website (www.staffsgolfpartnership.com), within the County Academy Programme section.

"For many years golf clubs and professionals have helped develop young talent in Staffordshire," said Staffordshire County Golf Partnership Head Coach Fred Fearn. "However, unless a boy or girl was a low handicap golfer the chances of that child developing to their full potential and representing their county was slim.

"This programme is designed to identify talented juniors, including children that may not have had a great deal of experience or may not yet be members of a golf club."

The coaching team will be led by Fred Fearn, of Leek Golf Club, as Head Coach, with Natalie Adams, of  Mere GC, as Director of Coaching.

After the assessment days have been completed all the children will be contacted through their parents.

Successful juniors will be given a personal programme to work towards and parents will be able to follow their child’s progression on line.

"The programme will run over two years and we will hold assessment days pre and post season annually," added Fred Fearn.

"Any junior not selected for the Academy after the assessment days will not be forgotten. Guidance and direction will be provided to help each child further their golfing ability."

For further information contact Fred Fearn at  fredpga1@yahoo.co.uk   or by telephone on01538384767 or Natalie Adams at  natalieadamsgolf@hotmail.com,

The coaches taking part  are Fred Fearn (Leek Golf Club); Natalie Adams (coaching out of Chase GC);  Chris Miller (The Manor);  Eddie Tittensor (Keele Driving Range); Ashley Salt (Trentham GC); Piers Ward (3 Hammers Golf Complex); Jonathan Watts (Brocton Hall); Mark McEvoy; and  Craig Thomas (Disability Golf) (The Range at Essington).

The County Academy is one of a number of projects aimed at increasing participation in golf run under the umbrella of the Staffordshire Golf Partnership. This is a collaboration of a number of stakeholders in the sport including the English Golf Union, The English Women's Golf Association, the PGA, the Golf Foundation and Sport England. In Staffordshire the partnership is supported by the Staffordshire Ladies County Golf Association, the Staffordshire Union of Golf Clubs and the Staffordshire PGA.

For more details of the activities in Staffordshire visit www.staffsgolfpartnership.com

For more information on the work of the Staffordshire Golf Partnership contact Sean Hammill, County Development Officer, Staffordshire County Golf Partnership.
www.staffsgolfpartnership.com/

M: 07771 794193
E: sean.hammill@btinternet.com