A NEW programme to support the potential of talented athletes in South Ayrshire has launched.

South Ayrshire Council's thriving communities - health and wellbeing team have launched a new 'developing potential programme'.

The programme, which is supported by the council's sport and leisure team, officially launched on August 28.

Held at Riverside Arena, the launch was also supported by Graeme Mathie of the Ayr United Football Academy who hosted a Q&A session with Commonwealth Games gymnast David Weir, Ayr United's Ollie Ecrepont and rugby star Matthew Davidson.

The initial intake offers first-class coaching and support to 24 talented athletes who currently perform at regional or national level, from four local clubs - Ayr Rugby Club, Ayr Seaforth Athletics Club, Ayr United Football Academy and Dundonald Gymnastics Club.

Coaches from each of the four sports clubs will also be involved in the programme as 'coaching champions', working with experts within the sports science industry to develop their own knowledge and skills.

The coaching champions will support the young athletes from within their clubs, whilst networking across different sport disciplines to ensure a strong development system is established.

Throughout the programme, athletes will be supported in a range of sports science inputs including strength and conditioning, nutrition, hydration, and sports psychology and will benefit from free access to South Ayrshire Council leisure facilities.

Councillor Brian Connolly, portfolio holder for sport and leisure, said: "The developing potential programme is a credit to South Ayrshire. 

"We have many talented young athletes who deserve the opportunity to achieve their full potential in their chosen sports, and by reducing barriers, this programme will do exactly that.

"The selected athletes demonstrated a strong work ethic, positive attitude and a willingness to learn, and I have no doubt they will be successful.

"I'd like to thank our thriving communities - health and wellbeing and sport and leisure teams for their hard work and commitment in making this programme a reality."