Launch of Slalom Performance and Talent Pathway Applications

Canoe Wales has opened the application process for the Canoe Slalom Talent Pathway. The pathway is a progressive coaching programme that supports and develops talented young paddlers into slalom athletes ready to represent Wales and GB at national and international competitions and the Olympic Games. 

This is the first year that paddlers will have to apply for their place on a programme in Wales. The application process is to make the selection of squads more open and transparent, giving the athletes the option to choose which squads they would like to be considered for.

At the same time, we are adding a new tier of support below the current National Talent Programme: the Regional Development Squads. This is to support those paddlers and the beginning of the pathway by giving them the skills and preparation they will need to be successful on their paddling careers. Giving more support at this level of the pathway will make the whole Talent Pathway more sustainable by ensuring we maintain a good base of Talent across all of Wales.

Applications will be open for all three tiers of the Canoe Wales Talent Pathway. Paddlers who are currently on a programme will have to make an application for any squads they are eligible for - and it doesn’t matter if you’re not currently on a squad, the application process is open to anyone to apply.

Squads Open for application:

• Regional Development Squads
• National Talent Squad
• National Performance Squad

More information on each of the programmes can be found on the Slalom Programme pages on our website. In the selection policy, there are details of what performance standards are required for each tier of the pathway, so it is strongly advised to read the selection policy before starting the application process.

The online application form will be open till 5 November 2021, so it’s vital you submit your application before then if you want to be considered for a place. Links to the online application form and selection policy are below:

• Selection Policy (PDF)
• Application Form (opens in new window)

We look forward to receiving your applications and are excited to be able to launch our new programmes in December.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with our Head Coach and Interim Performance Manager, Thomas Power, on thomas.power@canoewales.com