Talent Academy
If you are an athlete looking to realise your potential, help is at hand.
The South Derbyshire Talent Academy
The South Derbyshire Talent Academy launched in July 2022 to replace the Sports Pass and Grant scheme.
Active South Derbyshire, in partnership with South Derbyshire District Council and Everyone Active offer a scheme of support aimed at encouraging the development of sporting excellence in South Derbyshire.
The South Derbyshire Talent Academy is designed to aid talented local sports people to realise their potential, whether it be at County, Regional, National, or International level.
Further information on the support offered and the application criteria can be found HERE (pdf, 4.4mb)
The application window for the 2025 programme was Monday 18th November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025.
For further information contact Active.SD@southderbyshire.gov.uk
The application window for the 2026 programme will be announced shortly.
The South Derbyshire Talent Academy 2025
Take a look at some of the current Talent Academy 2025 cohort below:
Name: Matthew Ball
Age: 14
Sport: Field Hockey
Representative level: Regional
"This will support my training, particularly during the off season when I will be able to use the gym to stay fit."
Name: Nathaniel Ball
Age: 17
Sport: Field Hockey
Representative level: Regional
"Supports my training, particularly strength and conditioning."
​​​​​​Name: Edie Brassington
Age: 14
Sport: Taekwondo/Kickboxing
Representative level: International
"This scheme is an opportunity for me to access sporting facilities and have the knowledge I need to enhance my fitness and develop my training in preparation for competitions. Without the support from South Derbyshire Talent Academy, I would not be able to access this."
Name: Lucy Cadden
Age: 20
Sport: Swimming
Representative level: National
Name: Daisy Craig
Age: 13
Sport: Cycling
Representative level: International
"Being part of the Talent Academy means I’ve got an amazing place to train and push myself. It will help me get stronger and more confident on the bike. I’m proud to be the top female bike trial rider in GB, but I don’t get any funding, so trying to travel and compete around the world is tough and really expensive. I’m chasing a world title, and having access to a space like this will make a big difference."
Name: Eleanor Fereday
Age: 12
Sport: Freestyle Skiing
Representative level: National
Name: Phoebe Gay
Age: 15
Sport: Techno 293 Windsurfing
Representative level: Regional
Name: Amelia Gay
Age: 18
Sport: Sailing
Representative level: County
Name: Isla Moran
Age: 13
Sport: Swimming
Representative level: Regional
Name: Kian Moran
Age: 18
Sport: Golf
Representative level: County
Name: Oliver Nettleton
Age: 12
Sport: Hockey
Representative level: Regional
Name: Lincoln Shaw
Age: 14
Sport: Cross Country
Representative level: County
"I am very proud to be part of the talent Academy and am dedicated to running. I am utilising my gym membership to work on his strength and endurance."
Name: Astri Skinner
Age: 13
Sport: Tennis
Representative level: County
Name: Lucy Vincent
Age: 14
Sport: Netball
Representative level: County
Name: Sadie Walsh
Age: 11
Sport: Gymnastics
Representative level: Regional
"Being part of the Talent Academy means stepping up, standing out, and striving for excellence in everything I do."
Name: Alexander Yolshin-Cash
Age: 20
Sport: Men’s Artistic Gymnastics
Representative level: International
"I am eternally grateful for the support I receive from being a part of the talent academy. It helps me ensure my recovery is on point so I can stay healthy and train harder."