A training group named Skidbryggan has been launched in Falun for athletes aged 19–25. Among others, the skiers will be coached by a Pro Team athlete.

A training group called Skidbryggan has started in Falun. It was founded by the coaches at the local ski high school and targets athletes between the ages of 19 and 25.

“We started the group because we wanted to support our students after they graduated. We wanted them to stay in Falun, to remain part of a community and have a sense of belonging, so they wouldn’t be left on their own in their athletic careers after high school. That was the original idea,” says Jesper Arnesson, who founded the group together with Emma Eriksson.

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Record-high interest

Last season, the program was opened up to everyone, and this year, interest has reached record levels.

“We’re growing from 4 athletes last year to about 15 this year. It’s great that there’s been so much interest and that there’s clearly a need, considering how many want to join.”

The initiative targets athletes aged 19–25, where the need is seen as greatest.

“There’s a large dropout between the junior and senior levels. It’s well known, and we want to help prevent athletes from quitting just because they don’t have a group or a community to belong to,” he says, and continues:

“We want to be the kind of group that supports those who perhaps don’t make it into a ski university or a national team.”

Pro Team athlete joins as a coach

Skidbryggan will collaborate with both Hagströmska and DSA Elit. Some athletes will train more with the high school, and others more with DSA Elit.

“Depending on individual needs and skill levels, these three programs will work together to support as many athletes as possible.”

A new addition for this training season is that Ski Classics Pro Team athlete Anton Persson will join as head coach, together with Jesper Arnesson.

“This is a huge gain for the group, as they get support from coaches and help with their training journey. That way, they’re not left alone in that process either—they have people who support them, see them, meet them, and help them move forward in their athletic development,” he concludes.

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