May 14, 2010 (Canmore, Alta.) – Cross Country Canada is implementing a new female initiative called the “Female Talent Squad” (FTS) for this 2010-2011 season.  The program is an initiative based on a needs assessment completed in 2009. The purpose of the program is to provide support and incentives to young female athletes to assist them with their development as they progress towards the Training to Compete and Training to Win stages.

The program this year will focus on a Mentorship program whereby the FTS Athlete will be paired with a more experienced athlete or recently retired athlete who can provide guidance on various training, health, athlete-life-school balance issues, etc.  Secondly, the program will provide funding assistance to specific regional camps to bring in Mentors to assist with role modeling and training, and special guests/experts to provide information sessions on specific race and training concerns. Thirdly, there will be an educational component which will provide informative material on coaching female athletes for both coaches and mentors.

Thirty athletes who were born in 1992 through 1994 were nominated to the FTS based on their results at the 2010 Haywood Ski Nationals.  The following athletes have accepted their nomination. They represent 18 clubs and 6 divisions across Canada. The program is now in the process of matching up Athletes with a Mentor, and determining regional camps that will qualify for funding assistance – for the list of athletes and mentors click here.