The Newham High Performance Programme is being launched to give potential stars of the future the opportunity to train in a top class support environment.

The borough – one of the host boroughs of the Olympic Park in Stratford – also hopes to increase the number of local sports stars competing for international honours.

Local sports clubs, schools and community groups will be involved in the project.

UEL's director of sport David Cosford spoke of his support for the initiative: "We are delighted to be able to offer the same high level of support services to Newham's future generation of sports stars, as we do to our elite sports scholarship students at UEL.

"This programme will offer them the essential support required to take their performance to the next level and help UEL in its bid to become the number one university for sport in London by 2015."


The scheme picks up the baton from the Newham Sports Academy, founded in 2007 by former Olympic javelin champion Tessa Sanderson. 

But Sanderson resigned from her role last March following disagreements with Newham Council.

Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales (pictured) added: "The eyes of the world will soon be upon Newham which is why we are delighted to be part of this exciting partnership with UEL.

"Most of the London 2012 Games will take place here so it is fitting we are creating a programme to develop and support talented young sports people.

"We were the first Borough in London to offer free swims and have one of the biggest sports and activities programmes in the capital."

Applicants who win a place on the programme will have access to the new £21 million ($33 million/€25 million) SportsDock facility, and can apply for funding help for their training and equipment cost.

Eligible applicants must be 14 or over, live in Newham or attend a school in the borough, and compete in an Olympic or Paralympic sport.

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