How do I become a Cooper C.A.T.?


Coopers C.A.T.s Selection

Ideally we would like to allow as many athletes as possible to become CATs but realistically, in order to provide quality support, there has to be a selection criteria.  The general criteria is as follows:

  • The athlete is in the county squad (or above) for their sport and competing.

However this is not alway an accurate enough baseline due to a number of reasons including some sports not having a county team and variations in standard.  Therefore, until the Youth Sport Trust publish their guide on 'Talent Recognition' (http://gifted.youthsporttrust.org/page/talent-rec/index.html), the following guidelines will also be used to select:

Athletics - Finishing 1st - 3rd at Athletic Country Championships (club and school event). Must also be competing for a club.
Badminton- County team @ Redbridge
Basketball- County basketball team.
Cricket-  Essex County Team (club level).  Once over 16 in Essex Academy.
Cross Country- 1 - 8 at Essex Cross Country Championships / Essex Schools.
Diving- Grade 3 or above in National Competitions
Football- Aliance League / Pro Club / Essex County Team
Golf- Essex County Team.
Gymnastics- Top 20 finish in GB at National Age Group Competitions
Hockey- Play for Essex Junior Academy Centre (county team)
Ice skating- Regional talent performance squad
Judo- Black belt and competing Nationally
Karate- Black belt and competing Nationally
Modern Pentathlon- Selected for GB training camps.
Motor racing- Competing in National Races / circuits
Netball- Play for satellite squad (county)
Rugby- Essex schools rugby / London Regional squad
Squash -  Essex County Squad.
Swimming- Top 3 at Essex County Champs, top 20 finish at Nationals, Essex training camps.
Tennis- County squad
Trampolining- National C routines or above and competing. 

Talented athletes should also be training at least 10 hours per week outside of curriculum time. 

There will also be an element of professional judgement to decide whether you are suitable to join the scheme. 

If you have read the above and think you may be suitable or you have any queries  please contact Mr Duncan on
mdu@cooperscoborn.co.uk