Barton Shows the Way for Wirral Talent!

Wirral’s star junior swimmer Thomas Barton is helping gifted and talented youngsters in Wirral to realise their dreams.

At a special Gifted and Talented Enrichment event at Bebington High Sports College, Tom explained to over 60 of the borough’s most gifted athletes “commitment, focus and dedication” is the key to success. Tom, who has amongst his greatest achievements winning the Lancashire Individual Championships 4 years running and being selected for the national squad started swimming at the age of 9 and has risen to glory through a combination of talent and immense hard work including a training regime of 18 hours each week!

Tom is one of the 250 young emerging athletes that Lloyds TSB has supported this year on his journey to London 2012 and beyond. Lloyds TSB have supported Tom through its Local Hero programme, providing him with support for the costs of his travel, equipment and training. Most of the 250 athletes are still at school or studying.
At the event, organised by Wirral School Sports Coordinator and ex-Olympian hockey star Carolyn Reid, the young stars of the future received tuition in fitness and conditioning from Body Solutions Gym and Wirral Athletics Club, Nutrition support from Liverpool John Moore’s University and Sports Psychology and character education from local consultancy ‘Success Through Character.’

The Enrichment events take place in all 3 of Wirral’s School Sports Partnerships throughout the year. They are devised and developed by ex-EFC professional football legend Derek Mountfield. Speaking at yesterday’s event Derek said “I think it is really important that our local talented youngsters get as much guidance and support as possible. The enrichment events give pupils a chance to ask questions in workshops and receive valuable advice from sports stars past and present”

For more information about the Wirral School Sports Partnership Gifted and Talented programme and Junior Athlete Education (JAE) contact Carolyn Reid on 07798 581252.