2022 BD Youth National Academy athletes selected

Following an unusual programme of activity for the 2020-21 Youth Academy series we were pleased to be able to safely return to in-person Foundation Academy camps at the end of 2021 and welcomed lots of new athletes onto the programme. 

Following various training activities covering ridden performance coaching and test riding, rider strength and conditioning, performance profiling, goal setting and annual planning, among other topics, the athletes all showed impressive progress in both their mounted and unmounted performance between the two training camps.

From the 2021 cohort of Foundation Academy athletes, 12 have been selected to be part of the 2022 National Academy. These 12 athletes impressed the Academy practitioners by demonstrating the high levels of dedication and commitment to their own development, as well as good progress in all areas of performance across the board for their age and development stage.

Congratulations goes to the following 12 National Academy athletes for 2022 (in alphabetical order).

Anna Bates (N&E)
Francesca Cawley (Wales)
India Durman-Mills (N&E)
Molly Esberger-Shepherd (N&E)
Jessica Finney (N&W)
Ella Glennon (S&W)
India Hamilton-Burnet (S&W)
Flora Hayes (S&E)
Isabelle Maughan (N&W)
Amber Mothersdale (N&E)
Ellie Roberts (N&E)
Charlotte Snape (N&E)

The National Academy is an annual athlete training programme, fully funded by Sport England for Youth athletes who are demonstrating the potential to have a successful future in the sport. Selected athletes will receive a wide range of training opportunities to enhance their overall athlete development, as well as make improvements to their performance in the competition arena.

National Academy training will include both ridden sessions and test riding, as well as performance-focused practical and theory sessions with top industry professionals, to further rider development and knowledge across all areas of athletic performance from rider fitness to farriery. The athletes will continue to build on their initial training received at the Foundation Academy in Autumn/Winter 2021 with support from BD Youth for the next nine months.

The annual National Academy is a nine-month programme, beginning in January and concluding in September, prior to the commencement of the following Foundation Academy. If you are interested in becoming part of the BD Youth Foundation Academy and aiming for selection onto the National Academy in future keep an eye out for applications opening in Spring. For more information take a look at the Academies page online.

Photo © Simon Winson