Snowsport England Invests In Cross Discipline Development Pathway
Snowsport England, supported by GB Snowsport, are delighted to announce the launch of a new domestic cross discipline pathway, beginning in the summer of 2022.
The new programmes, which will build on the success of the current “Futures” Park & Pipe project, will encourage increased participation in moguls and ski cross, as well as create further opportunities for athlete development for those looking to develop skills that are applicable to multiple disciplines.
The domestic programme, utilising several key facilities found within the UK, will place an emphasis on giving skiers the opportunity to try their hand at a new discipline and develop the fundamental skills required to progress in that pathway, or understand and learn the skills necessary to transition between disciplines.
Newly appointed Cross Discipline Pathway Coach Paul Telling will lead the programme for Snowsport England, supported by ski cross coach Luke Feneley and existing moguls coach Joss Englert, as well as Head of Talent at GB Snowsport Mark Ritchie and the wider Home Nations team of coaching and support staff.
Excitingly, Snowsport England have also committed to a drive to get more coaches educated and qualified within the moguls and ski cross disciplines, with a view to increasing the opportunities for training within the UK.
Paul Telling explained “The UK has a huge number of exciting young skiers, and several excellent ski centres and facilities that are keen to be involved in the development of these future champions. By providing more opportunities for skiers to develop the skills needed for ski cross and moguls, and more opportunities for skiers to try multiple disciplines, we give ourselves the best chance of increasing participation and raising standards, helping GBS to talent spot the next generation of Olympic athletes.”
Current GB Snowsport ski cross athlete Ollie Davies said: “Ski Cross is an exciting discipline. For more young and up and coming racers to have the opportunity to try ski cross on the domestic scene is great. Hopefully it can be the beginning in shaping the next generation of Olympic ski cross competitors.”
Moguls Coach Joss Englert said: “I’m really excited to be part of the domestic cross discipline pathway, helping encourage more skiers to try moguls and improve their all around skills. Aligning our programming and working as part of the amazing Home Nations Futures project that has been so successful in Park & Pipe is going to give us the opportunity to engage with athletes more frequently and make a massive difference with their progression.
Team GB and Olympic Moguls skier Will Feneley added: “It’s great to see initiatives like this being put in place. Mogul skiing has been a particularly hidden discipline in the UK, so it’s nice to see that opportunities are being put in place for younger skiers to come through, try the sport out, and take steps towards the top.”
The proposed programme aims to follow the structure outlined here, and will have both on snow and off snow activity and training.*
If you are keen to get involved, either as an athlete or a coach, and would like more information, please get in touch with us via email on paul.telling@snowsportengland.org.uk
Snowsport England are also very excited to announce that alongside the new cross discipline development pathway they will be reintroducing National competitions for moguls and Ski Cross, with further details on dates and entry requirements to follow.
*Please note: All calendars are subject to change.
