53 young UK athletes attended a day of mentoring, education and specialised training with Dame Kelly Holmes at Loughborough College on Saturday 15 May, supported by Aviva.  The aspiring Under 20 athletes earned the opportunity to attend the day, which was part of Kelly’s new ‘Future Stars with Kelly’ initiative, following either their brilliant medal winning performance at last year’s Aviva Home Country Schools Championships or selection for IAAF World Youth Championships or European Youth Olympic Festival.

As part of Aviva’s ongoing grassroots athletics sponsorship, the young athletes took part in practical training sessions, such as drills and circuit training run by Dame Kelly, as well as team building activities.  They also attended specialist educational workshops on staying fit and healthy with medical experts and anti-doping within sport, delivered by the UK Anti-Doping agency.  In a unique move, each athlete’s parents and coaches were also invited to attend specially tailored workshops, delivered by Next Generation Coaching and Dame Kelly herself.

Dame Kelly Holmes commented: “Through this Aviva mentoring and education day I hope to assist more talented young athletes during their journey through school, junior and senior athletics.  The success of my previous mentoring programmes, such as ‘On Camp With Kelly’, also supported by Aviva, has shown the importance of providing education and mentoring to athletes through their teenage years when they are developing as athletes and also undergoing many changes away from the track.  I hope this day will have provided them with additional skills and training tips to continue on the pathway to success.  I wish all of the athletes taking part the best of luck at their Aviva Home Country Schools Championships and at other competitions this summer.”

Heather Smith, Head of Sponsorship & CR at Aviva commented: “Aviva has been the Number 1 sponsor of UK Athletics for over a decade.  We're committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of the next generation and recognise that sport is about much more than just physical health.  Participation in sporting activity helps children learn vital life skills such as teamwork, leadership, confidence, discipline and learning to win and lose.  We have made it our aim to make it easier for athletes of today and tomorrow to achieve their dreams, a mission that I know Dame Kelly shares, and we’re delighted to work together to help make a difference.”


Loughborough College

Loughborough College probably leads the way in the UK in providing ultra flexible learning programmes which allow athletes to fulfil both their educational ambitions and their sporting dreams.

Loughborough College attracts elite athletes from the age of sixteen who now have the opportunity to receive world class coaching from the National Governing Bodies based at Loughborough University combined with an excellent education programme and an elite athlete support network.

The College is in the process of creating an Elite Athlete Performance Centre which will create a bespoke scheme for individuals, balancing training and competition alongside a workable flexible education programme.

Click here for more information about Loughborough College.