IT is a well-known fact in the sporting world ability counts for little if you don't have the dedication and application to go with it.
And it is hoped that one group of talented youngsters at Djanogly City Academy won't fall into this group.
In an attempt to make sure they don't, they have enlisted the help of former Nottingham Forest player Craig Armstrong.
Along with nutrition and fitness experts from the City Ground club, he is spending the next five weeks putting them through their paces and giving them tips on how they should look after themselves.
Nineteen academy pupils, aged between 11 and 14, have been selected to take part in the Gifted and Talented PE workshops.
They were picked because of their exceptional talent in either football, rugby, cricket or athletics.
Rob Powell, deputy curriculum leader for performance at Djanogly, said: "These workshops are an excellent opportunity for our top-performing students to learn from sports professionals.
"It will give them an insight into the hard work and dedication that goes into being a sport professional and, we hope for some of the students, will provide inspiration for them to consider a career in this field."
The two-hour workshops are designed to develop the students' skills in lifestyle management, sports psychology, sports nutrition, fitness testing and sports leadership.
Yesterday's session in the academy's sports hall started with some stretches before the pupils played dodgeball to help with their agility.
Fourteen-year-old Kamran Billson said: "I am very pleased to have this opportunity.
"It's made me realise there is more to sport than just playing.
"I am learning about sports nutrition, coaching and leadership. Hopefully, this will give me a better insight into other career possibilities in sport."
Kanzila Saddique, 13, said: "I like cricket. Coming to these sessions is really good because I get to find out how I'm expected to behave away from the game, which is really important.
"We have done lots of agility tests so far and fitness work. There is a lot to put into doing sports coaching."
Mr Armstrong was called in by the academy in the hope his experience as a professional footballer would inspire youngsters.
He made 40 appearances for Forest between 1992 and 1999, part of which time they were in the Premier League.
He has also played for Huddersfield Town, Sheffield Wednesday and Mansfield Town.
He said: "To be part of the Gifted and Talented programme is a privilege and to be able to pass on my life experiences to the children and bring top-quality coaches within their field to pass on their knowledge will make this programme stand out.
"I'm hoping the insight the children get from these workshops will maximise their potential and aid their path towards a career in professional sport or within the sports industry.
"The children will learn what it takes to be an elite performer in professional sport."
