Top level support for Sutton skater

Sutton figure skater Kershia Broughton, who has won a place on the National Ice Skating Association's Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence.

Kershia Broughton (17), is one of 11 talented skaters who have been selected for the National Ice Skating Association’s (NISA)Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE), a sports performance programme that provides training and development for young athletes aged 16 to 19.

By being on the AASE, Kershia,who trains at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham, joins a list of past apprentices that includes Olympic swimming gold medallist Rebecca Adlington, diving star Tom Daley and Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere.

Kershia said: “I was delighted to be selected by NISA and to be given this opportunity to develop my sport.

“This compliments my studies in BTEC Sport Level Three Coaching Fitness and Performance.”

The AASE course covers topics including technical and tactical skills, nutrition, lifestyle management, career planning and coaching and supports athletes to achieve a Level Three NVQ Diploma in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance.

AASE apprentices also benefit from additional sporting expertise.

Nick Sellwood, chief executive of NISA, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for these skaters. The AASE programme helps develop and nurture elite athletes and it’s the perfect programme for aspiring athletes.

“It also provides opportunities for second career development, should an athlete fall short of their ultimate sporting goal or chose to follow an alternative career path.

“It is something our short track skaters are already benefitting from and we are delighted to extend it to figure skating.”