the next chapter and the evolution of Sps coaching - this is talent development, our way
Join our multisport team, where talented athletes aged 15-20 will progress under the coaching, guidance and nurture of the SPS coaching Team. Our year-long programme runs from October to the following September, providing a uniquely dynamic and productive training environment for those within it. With British Triathlon's performance services scaling back, SPS Coaching is offering driven young athletes the chance to develop alongside like-minded athletes and coaches. The Athlete Development Programme is an independent, self-funded programme and we will continuously adapt our structure to meet each athlete’s unique development needs — recognising that everyone grows in their own way. This is talent development, our way.
The Athlete development programme is our take on a regional-academy-style development structure
The plan
-
From the first session onward, we collaborate with athletes and their support networks to identify strengths and areas for growth. Rather than dictating decisions, we foster independence, helping athletes become strong, smart, and self-sufficient, taking ownership of their development.
-
Next, we analyse the underlying factors behind each athlete's strengths and weaknesses, uncovering the reasons behind habits and breaking down key performance elements that drive success or challenges.
-
After identifying the factors behind each athlete’s strengths and weaknesses, we focus on actionable steps for growth. This includes creating an informal, personal development plan and ensuring the SPS Coaching team provides the necessary support to keep athletes progressing toward their goals.
-
Once an action plan is set, we move into the delivery phase, which will manifest itself in different forms for each athlete. Our holistic approach prioritises smart, effective training — both physically and mentally — increasing the likelihood of hard work being translated into progress. Athlete Development Programme sessions will continuously adapt to support both the broader goals of the cohort and the specific needs of each individual.
benefits of the athlete development programme
standards
Times to exceed
These times are to establish a base level ability of our cohort of athletes. anyone who can exceed these minimum standard times for their gender and age group are of the standard we are going to work with
-
200m swimming - 00:02:40
2000m running - 00:08:00
-
200m swimming - 00:02:35
2000m running - 00:07:30
-
200m swimming - 00:02:30
2000m running - 00:07:40
-
200m swimming - 00:02:25
2000m running - 00:07:10
-
400m swimming - 00:05:10
3000m running - 00:11:30
-
400m swimming - 00:05:00
3000m running - 00:10:45
£700
per athlete per year
This all-inclusive fee covers the entire programme, with no additional costs. Payment can be made in full or through 12 monthly instalments. If paying via monthly instalments, a standing order must be set up in advance. If financial assistance is needed, please contact us. The Athlete Development Programme is an independently funded programme, its stability depends on full commitment from athletes and their support networks. Participation requires an understanding that completion of all payments must be made by the end of the year-long programme. In exceptional cases, partial refunds or payment cancellations may be granted at SPS Coaching’s discretion.
screening session
Sunday 28th September 2025 (timings tbc)
Swimming cycling and Running session
Location tbc
Our free-of-charge screening session is a chance to assess potential athletes and create initial performance profiles, focusing on skill and technique across all three triathlon disciplines. It also offers an opportunity to meet the SPS Coaching team and experience our training sessions before deciding whether to join the programme.
Attendance to this training session does not require commitment to the whole programme and all participants will receive an athlete profile outlining key strengths and areas for improvement regardless. While not a fully comprehensive assessment, these profiles will serve as valuable tools for those choosing to continue their development with us and will shape our plans for training sessions in the athlete development programme. SPS Coaching welcomes all interested athletes to attend and explore what we can offer to you. Fill in the contact form below to enquire.
FAQs
I am a duathlete or single discipline athlete, can i join the athlete development programme?
Although the programme is predominantly focussed on triathlon, we can cater for duathletes and single discipline athletes. Depending on which disciplines you compete in and how many of our sessions cover your sport, there are different concession prices available. please contact us directly for further information if this applies to you.
Where are athlete development programme sessions likely to be located?
We aim to host our sessions at top class training facilities in and around south london and the south east of England. the venue(s) for each session will vary in location with the aim of being fair to athletes within the cohort who are travelling from different parts of the south east region.
I’ve been selected for a british triathlon regional academy, is this programme still for me?
Yes, we encourage any athletes who are/might be selected for regional academies to join our programme. we operate in a different way and believe that our development structure operates strongly both alongside and independently from British triathlon organised programmes. Although we will go to great lengths to ensure that clashes between regional academy sessions and athlete development programme sessions do not take place, if this does occur, athletes can be compensated for missing sessions if they favour attending British triathlon organised programmes. This also applies to England Next Generation sessions.
I have only just found out about the athlete development programme, can i join part way through?
You can apply to join part way through the year long programme. any belated applicants are likely to be accepted into the programme* and will pay an additional £50 joining fee on top of the pro rata price. for example: if you joined the programme in February you would pay £450 (price for 8 months of the programme remaining + £50 joining fee).
*subject to availability
