Free access for national sports people

Free Access for National Sportspeople (FANS)

The FANS scheme provides sportspeople of a national level with free access to training facilities in Surrey.  FANS aims to assist elite sportspeople to achieve their full potential by reducing the burden of training costs.

Members on the scheme come from a wide range of sports including athletics, canoeing, trampolining, triathlon, skiing, sailing and badminton.

38 leisure facilities are involved in the scheme including sport/leisure centres, swimming pools, fitness gyms, athletics tracks and a range of specialist indoor and outdoor facilities.  In addition members can benefit from reduced prices for sports psychology, nutrition, chiropody and sports massage.  Members will also be able to access a regular newsletter and places on the Regional Elite Performers Conference.

Eligibility

FANS supports national sportspeople of all ages who compete at national level. To be eligible for the scheme you must be both:

• A current national sportsperson from any Sport England recognised sport. (national is deemed as either a member of a national team/squad or ranked in the top 10.
• A resident for the majority of the year in Surrey

And provide supporting evidence from your governing body upon application.

Members of the Surrey FANS scheme are entitled to choose three centres to be their designated FANS centres.  There are some variations between facilities for FANS members between centres but the majority offer unlimited free access during off peak times.

For full details, a list of local centres and to download an application form please visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/fans or contact 01483 518951

An insight into a FANS user with Ellie Hilderley

Name: Ellie Hilderley              

Age: 18

Sport: Sprint Kayaking

How long have you taken part in Kayaking?

For approximately 3 and a half years (at September 2007)

How did you get into Kayaking?

The British Canoe Union (BCU) carried out fitness tests at all schools within 6 miles of the Guildford Waterside centre (Wey Kayak Club) as the centre had recently been rebuilt and was regarded as a centre of excellence.  1500 students were fitness tested within local schools and the results were compared to those of current Olympic Athletes.  Four girls and three boys were selected and offered a place in the Talent Identification and Development Group (TID).  Within this group I receive coaching and a support network.

What is your biggest achievement to date?

Representing Great Britain in the "Olympic Hopes" regatta in Slovakia, finishing 9th and 10th.  Also being selected to race for the World Class Start Squad representing Great Britain at regatta's in Belgium, Bordeaux and St Laurent Blangy.

How many training sessions have a week?

11 sessions overall, 5-6 a week are kayaking sessions, 2-3 weight sessions and 2-3 fitness sessions (running or swimming)

How has the FANS scheme helped to assist you with your training?

The scheme has allowed me to gain free access to Woking Leisure Centre, Guildford Spectrum and Guildford university for weight training and swimming.  Reduced prices for sports massage at Guildford University and reduced prices for physiotherapy on a ankle injury I suffered with over a 12 month period.

What is your next goal?

To make progress in my first season of senior competition.

What is your long term ambition?

To represent Great Britain in London 2012.