Individual athletes with the potential to become world-class are invited to join a new 'Performance Pathway' programme.

Jersey Sport wants to support islanders with podium potential to dominate the international stage through different measures.

CEO David Kennedy says they are seeking applications from those who think they might qualify for the funding and services to help them achieve their ambitions.

"What we have here is an opportunity to provide those additional services that an athlete will need to thrive.

"We're going to have the difficult job of selecting who we believe is the cream of the crop and put them on the Performance Pathway."

The government-funded programme costs £120,000 and includes:

• Strength and conditioning,
• Medical support,
• Anti-doping education,
• Nutrition advice,
• Injury prevention and rehabilitation,
• Lifestyle coaching and mentoring,
• Media training,
• Psychology services and mental health support,
• And, other relevant upskilling and training.

Around six to eight talents will be chosen for the programme, who have a passion for their sports, experience, and knowledge of their environment as an athlete, coach or official.

However, the number of people selected could change with the volume of applications.

David says there needs to be absolute clarity on where their athletes are performing and on what level.

"If we're able to capture that, we can then look to assess everyone against the criteria we have in place.

"The number of athletes that will be supported in this is impossible to say at this moment in time, we'll only know that when we hear from the sporting community."

Sports stars must either be born in Jersey, have lived here for two years, or be eligible through the prior but are currently studying or living off-island.

Athletes must also show the following qualities:

• Podium (Elite) - A sportsperson with strong medal potential in upcoming international competitions. This includes previously winning titles or medals, and representing their country at a senior level in a major worldwide sporting competition (i.e. Olympics or World Championship) including athletes participating in professional teams/non-Olympic sports.
• Podium Potential - Developing athletes who have the potential to deliver future international success or showcase medal-winning performances on the world stage at a senior competition level.
• Talent (Development) - Sports personalities who have the potential to perform at a world-class level and have been selected in National Age Group Squads or Regional Squads or by their national governing bodies to the England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales talent pathways.

The Jersey Sport CEO says they want to put Jersey on the map as a sporting island.

"We're really looking to raise the bar as far as performance is concerned.

"We know that, for many years, we've done really well in the sporting arena here in Jersey, but there's a recognition now that would love to see Jersey getting on more podiums and raising the profile here."

Islanders are encouraged to sign up to the Performance Pathway before 15 September at 7.00 pm.

*Images are of Jersey athletes representing the island at past Island Games.