Youth Development Squad 2014
Around 30 youngsters are making great strides in trials and the Western Centre is preparing the riders and organisers of the future of the sport.
The third year of the ACU Western Centre Youth Development Squad saw nine events, including coaching sessions, a demonstration and a trial run by the members themselves.
Led by centre champion, Scottish Six Days Trial first class award winner and teacher Simon Welch, the squad has had its best year yet.
The final session, with coaches Ben Bishop, James Welch and guest coach and Wessex Centre champion Colin Crease, held just before Christmas saw a turnout of more than 20 riders and parents at Zona 1 MCC's Birdlip venue.
After two 90 minute-plus sessions, all repaired to the nearby pub for a presentation to celebrate the year's achievements. Fred Bishop won the commitment award for turning up every time including when he was still being sick.
The give 100% award went to Victoria Payne, Ollie Goode and Harry Ridgeway. Most improved went to Sam Smetham, Lois Mccallagher and will Haines. And ride of the year went to Oakley Haines for riding two trials in a day.
The squad could not be run without the help of many committed people, including sponsors Bob Waldron, Mark Pitt and Kettles Civils, clubs Gloucester and Cotswold MC, Zona 1 MCC, West Glos and Dean Forest MCC, and Malvern MCC. Then of course there are the conducted youth trials run by G&C, Zona 1 and West Glos, and the squad has a growing band of coaches which includes Ben Bishop, Andy Colbourne, James Welch and Colin Crease.
The squad will be looking to go from strength to strength in 2015 with the backing of the centre – all coaching sessions are free-of-charge to children living in the centre with their own bike and kit. To find out more, visit the youth section