Hundreds of Croydon's talented young sportsmen and women got a helping hand in their bid to reach the top during a free coaching day at Crystal Palace Sports Centre on Monday.

The Active Sports Talent Camp (ASTC), organised by Sport England and London Active Partnership, is designed to encourage more than 1,000 talented boys and girls aged between eight and 16 to progress in their sport.

The youngsters, including swimmers, basketballers, female footballers, hockey players, rugby players, athletes and tennis players, were identified by the governing bodies of the Camp's eight sports as the cream of the capital's sporting future.

They benefitted from two days of activities including advanced, top level coaching and competition, as well as education on topics such as lifestyle management, nutrition, careers opportunities and sports science.

Local participants included eight female rugby players from Riddlesdown School in Purley; 14-year-old twins Kylie and Danielle Davies in football; athletes Martyn Rooney, Rosemary Garnett and Jamie Pearce; and Cara Kayum, 13, from Croydon High School, on the hockey camp.

July 10, 2002 10:30