The table below provides guidelines under which the County may accept juniors into the annual Talent Development Pathway. Successful candidates may then be invited for further more detailed coaching afterwards. ensuing years. The Junior Golfer Report Form gives us this relevant information. Junior Organisers can make nominations for County Coaching by completing a Junior Golfer Report Form.

COACHES

The pathway draws together 4 coaches from the County, Association and the PGA to deliver coaching sessions. Typical these group sessions may be of up to 12 hours spread over 4 sessions, usually between March and September although some sessions are held in Winter and also can include warm climate coaching. Most sessions are held at the home course of the County Coach but some are held at locations with multiple facilities especially during winter. The player’s home coach is still very closely involved on the technical side and we hope there is more coach-to-coach communication. Additionally we ask participating juniors to pass on their positive experiences to fellow juniors at their club, making them aware that they too can be considered for our program in the future.

SQUAD COACHING

The main level of coaching is the squads, Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18, which offer a more intensive level of coaching aligned to team matches. The Boys and Girls run similar programs for their squads. The prime focus of the sessions is on the key scoring zone activity (100 yards in), more on course activity, course management, decision making and preparation, to name only a few. Most of the squads are involved in matches against clubs and other Counties. There is continuous performance assessment with targeted coaching to help with specific problems. But again progression from one squad to the next is dependent upon performance and the number of juniors competing for a squad place. However if a junior does not make the squad, the next year additional squad places may be available to retain keen juniors within the Talent Development Pathway. The ultimate progression for Under 18 Squad juniors is to the full County Squad Team. This may take several years to be achieved.

COACHING PERSONNEL

The county coaching managers and county coaches for the current season will be updated March 2023

PLAYER’S RESPONSIBILITY

During the season, players are expected to play in Open competitions, County and Regional Championships with the ultimate aims of selection for the County and England Golf Regional Coaching Programs and correspondingly the Mens and Ladies County Teams. England Golf, the NCGU, the NLGA and the PGA are quite clear on player and parental confidentiality so individual information must always come from the player or parent after feedback from the coach.

SUMMARY

This is an exciting time for Junior Golf in Norfolk and we do hope that this initiative enables more juniors to enjoy this fantastic sport. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible during each golfing season.