NZ GOT (young) TALENT

[oyster]

The secret to the SI success in Junior RR is simple. 3 words
Recruit, support, train.
Until a club commits to the resources and (meeting)structure to provide these 3, nothing will happen.

It's a much bigger story than that of course, read Kiwi Rider, Aug edition
"Sportz Fotoz Cup turns 5" The stats tell the story, nothing is as successful as this.

One things for sure, and it'll touch a few NI nerves I guess. Scholarships and Academies don't work. They are elitist, unfair, put too much (detrimental) pressure on young people and no one, yes, no one can really pick the long term sport acheivers. The real answer is put this energy into building a safe, well supported base as wide as possible. Then maintain it as required with "spot" mentoring and elite coaching when the "elite" level is being reached.

As I say, simple, and down here the evidence is overwhelming that it works.

[Billy]

The secret to the SI success in Junior RR is simple. 3 words
Recruit, support, train.
Until a club commits to the resources and (meeting)structure to provide these 3, nothing will happen.

It's a much bigger story than that of course, read Kiwi Rider, Aug edition
"Sportz Fotoz Cup turns 5" The stats tell the story, nothing is as successful as this.

One things for sure, and it'll touch a few NI nerves I guess. Scholarships and Academies don't work. They are elitist, unfair, put too much (detrimental) pressure on young people and no one, yes, no one can really pick the long term sport acheivers. The real answer is put this energy into building a safe, well supported base as wide as possible. Then maintain it as required with "spot" mentoring and elite coaching when the "elite" level is being reached.

As I say, simple, and down here the evidence is overwhelming that it works.

No,Not at all Pete,We are quite happy to listen too any suggestions you make,After all you guys are getting the results we can only dream of at this stage and as I said in my reply too your email,The scholarship is just something Jos from NZBADD wanted too do and I think it will help raise the profile up here to try and get some newbies interested.We have some other ideas as well but will get back too you with those when I know more.Im sure if I can establish a reasonable channel of information with the clubs and keep them up with what we have planned,We can work it out.As youve stated simple and maybe weve been trying to over complicate it too the point it becomes too much for the commitees to deal with on top of their already heavy work loads.Like I said,Im sure we can organise something.

[Clivoris]

The secret to the SI success in Junior RR is simple. 3 words
Recruit, support, train.
Until a club commits to the resources and (meeting)structure to provide these 3, nothing will happen.

As I say, simple, and down here the evidence is overwhelming that it works.

No,Not at all Pete,We are quite happy to listen too any suggestions you make,After all you guys are getting the results we can only dream of at this stage and as I said in my reply too your email,The scholarship is just something Jos from NZBADD wanted too do and I think it will help raise the profile up here to try and get some newbies interested.We have some other ideas as well but will get back too you with those when I know more.Im sure if I can establish a reasonable channel of information with the clubs and keep them up with what we have planned,We can work it out.As youve stated simple and maybe weve been trying to over complicate it too the point it becomes too much for the commitees to deal with on top of their already heavy work loads.Like I said,Im sure we can organise something.

Couldn't agree more with both of you. Pete, while the ideas are "simple", how much truth is there in the talk that you put A LOT of your own time and money into making the SI scene happen?

[oyster]

Relative to motorcycle road racing, yes I've put in quite a bit. But then I've raced (well, tried!) heaps myself, and loved it. I have 3 boys who've raced. So what I've "given back" is probably about fair for the benefits we've recieved.
Plus I recieved back the huge pleasure of working with young people growing up in the sport in the age they start as children, following on to fine young adults.
You can't put a value on that.

But think of this. My son plays soccer. His coach is qualified to this, and can lose his qual if he doesn't perform. He has to study to get/keep these quals. He has to finish work early on Wednesdays to coach after school. He can't work Saturdays. On Saturdays he coaches his young team, then goes across town to ref a game, then has a game himself. If the game is 1 hr drive away he picks up as many kids he can fit in his car and takes them there. Usually at his cost. Then during the week nights phone calls, adminstration and such. He arranges prizes and attends club committee meetings. Isn't he amazing!!! No not really, he's just a normal sport volunteer that exists in thousands across the country across every developed sport we can think of. Except road racing maybe....

So no, I do nothing extraordinary, no way do I work as hard as this soccer coach.

[Clivoris]

Geez Pete. You hardly do anything alright It's the only way that these things happen and I remember talking with you about how the momentum grew within your club, as other parents became involved. More power to you.

[SWERVE]

There you go again Pete.......... probebly the most humble/under-stated man in NZ motorcycling.
I am still amazed at how you manage to fit in as much in a week as you do. You are at least equal to the "footie coach' if not superior.
Remember the coach is part of a big national scene with all the network/support that goes with it.
You started this whole thing by yourself. In the early days there was virtually no supporters and you still carried on. Jenny & Paul shared your vision and then came MCC.
But no NATIONAL support network yet. But still you produce NATIONAL champions.
I know its much bigger now and lots of Mums /Dads helpers make things happen and contribute in many ways. But stand and take a bow it was your baby and it is a resounding success.

Good luck Billy with your ideas up north. Pete is right the initial junior part of the training should be without pressures just concentrating on enjoyment of the sport (you know the "hooked" part just happens anyway)
However i think there should be a scholarship package available for when the right riders are ready to move on up. Good luck too you ALL.

[wharfy]

No not really, he's just a normal sport volunteer that exists in thousands across the country across every developed sport we can think of. Except road racing maybe....

So no, I do nothing extraordinary, no way do I work as hard as this soccer coach.

The soccer analogy is very good !!!
I think possibly one of the advantages MX has over road racing is that heaps of NZ kids have dirt bikes and can find somewhere to "play" by themselves or have a "pickup" game on any bit of vacant ground (I know it causes some problems occasionally) without to much danger - a bit like soccer.
Whereas road racing requires a considerable infrastructure to do it safely and without becoming tagged as "boy racers"

It is good to hear that you are having success down there at getting young folk into the sport.

I think motorcycling could probably learn a bit from yachting, by comparison to soccer BOTH are elitists sports that require considerable $$$ to get into.

It is probably a bit soon to judge the Moto Acadamy (its only its second season) but Glen Sketchell is one of it's "graduates" so I hope it keeps going.

Once again good on you down there for the great work you have done.