Oakbank Sports College is set to become 'centre of excellence' -- training coaches to develop Britain's sporting stars of the future.

The college has been named as one of only three Premier Coaching Centres in the district by the National Coaching Foundation. It will provide top facilities for coaches of all sports throughout the region.

Iain Lawrie, the centre's co-ordinator will be able to offer local coaches advice on getting involved in coaching as well as a new range of National coaching Foundation Workshops to improve coaching skills.

An introductory workshop 'Injury Prevention and Management' will be held on Tuesday, February 2 from 6.30 - 9.30pm. Experienced tutor Dennis Wright will give practical advice on how to prevent injuries, the best way to deal with them and how to help performers return to training quickly and safely.

Other workshops will include topics like working with children, understanding the body, nutrition, first aid, motivation and mental skills.

They are open to coaches working in sports at all levels from junior team games to coaching senior sportsmen and women.

"We have some of the finest sports facilities in the area and coaches taking part in NCF workshops will do so in a unique sporting atmosphere where academic achievement and coaching blend at a higher level," said Helen Plimmer, director of sport at Oakbank.

Full details of the courses are available from Iain Lawrie on 01535-609155 after 5pm Monday to Friday, or by contacting the Premier Coaching Centre hotline 0845-601-3045.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.