Successful Athletics Ireland Junior XC camp supported by Affidea Ireland

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Successful Junior XC Camp

Athletics Ireland hosted a very successful national junior cross country camp supported by Affidea Ireland last weekend in Gormanston College.

This three-day training camp brought together 25 of Ireland’s top U20 endurance athletes in preparation for the European Cross Country Championships in Samorin, Slovakia, on December 10.

Led by Athletics Ireland National Junior Endurance Coach Steven Macklin and National Junior XC Coach Annette Queegan, special guests included Ireland’s leading senior 1500m runner Paul Robinson (St Coca’s), and Affidea Client Relationship Executive and former Irish international rugby star David Corkery; along with educational workshops covering Mental Preparation, Strength and Conditioning.

Steven commented: “The camp was another huge success this year, with perfect weather conditions. Our young athletes were motivated and working well together, learning a lot from our workshops. It would not have been possible without the support of Affidea Ireland and CEO Tom Finn, who introduced the camp. We are very grateful to be working together with Ireland’s leading medical scan specialist.”

Annette added: “Our athletes really enjoyed themselves and went home even more motivated towards their training over the coming weeks. Other special guests Liam Moggan and David Roche really benefited all, with so many key lessons imparted on to the athletes. We are looking forward to the coming weeks and supporting our teams in their preparations.”

Affidea Ireland CEO Tom Finn said; “This camp is a testament to our future stars’ high standard of training and hard work over the summer. I tweeted a story just this week about a new nationwide study that shows children as old as 12 have such poor motor skills that they exercise as if they are in their 30s or older, whenever they have to take part in physical activities or sports; highlighting the fact that the country is heading towards a crisis in public health and fitness. This is why @AffideaIreland promotes our young people’s health and fitness, and best of luck to everyone at the European XC Championships.”

You can read further also on the Affidea Ireland site HERE 

Key points from the camp for the athletes were:

-          Good performances come from working well together in the shadows over time

-          Physical preparation work is critical in an endurance athlete’s programme

-          Make the right choices through your career to make it a success

-          Many of the attributes you portray as an athlete are what prospective employers are looking for and the lessons you learn as an athlete will stand to you in every aspect of your life

-          Surround yourself with good people and people who want to see you succeed

-          Patience and consistency the key to producing big performances as an endurance athlete

-          Failure is important and leads to learning and eventually to success

-          Athletes must have a balanced lifestyle (Having time outside of running/study etc is key)

-          You are part of a group of people where you will make friends for life

-          Listen to key people in your life they are there to support you and help you succeed

-          Athletes must be accountable for them time they are not with their coaches, making the right decisions & choices is key to success

-          Do the simple things right and don’t over complicate

A reminder to all that the Regional Junior Endurance Performance squad camps are on Sep 15th-17th Munster & Leinster, Sep 16th Ulster/NI, Sep 22nd-24th Connacht and the Autumn Open International XC event is Sun 22nd October. We would like all panel members to attend both of these events, this is important on many levels. We appreciate your support with this.

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