Marlborough Mountain Bike Club is pleased to announce the launch of their Development Squad.
Marlborough Mountain Bike Club youth riders have enjoyed some phenomenal success in recent years at a local, regional, schools and national level. With the Skoda National Schools MTB Championship presented by WK Advisors and Accountants being staged on our home tracks in October, the Club is going to trial the formation of a Development Squad until the October event.
WHAT IS THE DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
The Development Squad is a group of riders whom the Club believes will represent us well at the National Schools Championship, and at other National events in coming years. The aim of the Development Squad is to give these riders the best possibility of success by providing them with riding and coaching opportunities prior to the October event.
If the Development Squad is successful, the tenure and focus of the Development Squad may be extended.
The initial focus of the Development Squad will be on Downhill and Enduro racing. An XC squad may also be formed. The Squad will consist of 6 – 9 riders.
Development Squad Values
A considerable effort is being invested into the Development Squad by volunteers and by the Club. The Club therefore expects all Development Squad members to always exhibit the following values:
Whakaute / Respect : We expect all riders to show respect to all Club volunteers and to fellow Development Squad Riders. All riders must at all times follow instructions given by Development Squad adults immediately and without questioning. All riders must appreciate and show respect for the differing riding ability of Development Squad members.
Mahi / Work : We expect all riders to put in the work into their training to do the best they can when they represent the Club. We also expect all club riders to give back to Mountain Biking by providing at least 30 hours annually of volunteer time. This can be Dig Days, Coaching, assisting at Club events or with Club Administration. Those not completing the required voluntary hours each quarter may lose their place in the Squad.
Tima / Team : We are a team. All Squad members will be expected to help their fellow Development Squad members both during Development Squad shuttle days and in race preparation in general
What will the Development Squad do?
The Development Squad will be given the opportunity for Club organised shuttled rides every fortnight. We envisage one fortnight taking the Squad to ride out of town tracks (eg Nelson, Cable Bay, Middle Hill, CAP) and the alternative fortnight shuttles in Marlborough, predominantly in the Taylor Forest.
The Development Squad will also benefit from outside group coaching sessions focusing on general fitness, developing training programmes and race preparation. The Development squad will not be picked just on recent race results. Club members with potential are encouraged to apply and we would like to see a squad with varying ages and riding abilities.
How much will the Development Squad cost?
The Club has obtained sponsorship to cover some transportation costs. Shuttle costs will be squad member responsibility. We suggest allowing $80 per fortnight for shuttle costs.
Will my Parents Need to Volunteer to Assist?
The Club has already obtained support from Club members to run the Development Squad so while parents volunteering is not a pre-requisite, support to drive members to out of town shuttling and during shuttle days would be appreciated.
INDEPENDENT SELECTION COMMITTEE
The squad will be selected by an independent group of senior local riders and each application will be assessed against the Development Squad values.
None of these riders have junior riders in the Club, but they have been active organizers and participants of local, regional and National MTB Events in the last few years. The selection committee decisions will be final with no ability to question the decisions made.
DATES AND DEADLINES
Applications for the squad open on June 4, 2021 and close on June 20, 2021.
Applications must be made via the google form HERE.
No applications will be considered after the closing date of June 18, 2021.
Applicants must be enrolled in Year 7 or above and attending school full time.
Applicants must be planning to enter the Skoda National Schools MTB Championship presented by WK Advisors and Accountants in October 2021.
Applicants must be current members of the Marlborough Mountain Bike Club in good financial standing.