Welsh Athletics, the sports council for Wales, plans to roll out a new initiative designed to develop the potential of young athletes and coaches.

The initiative includes the launch of three Athletic Development Centres (ADC) in Deeside, Swansea and Cardiff.

From these ADCs, a UK:Athletics programme will be launched which is split into The Athletic Programme, with a focus on 11 to 15-year-olds, and The Coaching Programme for teachers and clubs.

Jamie Baulch, British sprint athlete, said: "This initiative will cater for all levels of participation and provide a foundation for athletes to develop at their own rate. This is imperative if athletes, regardless of level, are to stay in the sport for longer."

The Athletic Programme will have an open-door policy for all athletes and will deliver weekly sessions for three 12-week terms.

The programme will focus on establishing skills in movement, conditioning, lifestyle, psycho-behavioural and technical/tactical competencies centred around running, jumping and throwing sports. The training will culminate in a Inter-ADC Run, Jump and Throw competition at the end of the programme.

"The ADC programme will give young sportspeople the fundamental tools that they will need to become top performers in the future," said Rhys Williams, European 400m hurdle medalist.

The ADC coaching programme includes a weekly coaching workshop, delivered to developing clubs and teachers by a new ADC National Coaching Team.

Lynn Davies, president of UK Athletics, said: "The ADCs will benefit coaches and athletes of all age groups and levels of ability, with the emphasis on fun, enjoyment and participation, but also one eye on those young athletes who are aspiring to be the best."