Rising sports stars in the region will benefit from a new scheme to clear the hurdles blocking young athletes from success.

A new project called Team You is being launched tonight to provide young sports stars with the help and support necessary to make it in their field.

The York St John College initiative has been set up with money from government sports organisation Sport England and will target rising stars in key sports aged between 11 and 16.

Assessments will be carried out and individual programmes drawn up by experts based at the college to give them the best possible chance of making the most of their talents.

Scheme co-ordinator Richard McGrory said: "It's all about providing support and resources to young sporting talent that will ultimately bring more success to British sport.

"Young athletes have specific needs related to improving their performance.

"Team You will play a key role in meeting the needs of young athletes through a range of customised player support programmes aimed at achieving this improvement in performance."

Third year students at the college will also benefit by getting a chance to put their knowledge and experience into practice - making it a win-win scheme for all.

Some individuals have already had a chance to benefit during a mini pilot programme, and it is hoped the project will be opened up further in time.

Players of basketball, hockey and rugby league have been initially targeted as the three key sports, with netball and rugby union due to come on line in the next two or three months.

The first stage will feature an assessment carried out by physiology, biomechanics and psychology sports scientists from York St John, who will look at everything from training technique and diet to mental preparation.

A programme will then be drawn up and the athlete will be given access to consultants depending on their needs with a physiotherapist, podiatrist, strength and conditioning expert, nutritionist, financial consultant, personal trainer and a sports masseur all available.

In addition, access to alternative techniques such as homeopathy and acupuncture make the Team You project unique to others elsewhere in the country.

And as well as the facilities in the sports science department of the college, a mobile unit will be sent further afield to make sure the service is available to athletes across North Yorkshire.

The official launch takes place tonight and Sport England regional director David Gent and college principal Dianne Willcocks will be among those there before a tour of the Team You facilities.

Updated: 09:17 Wednesday, February 04, 2004