A NEW sports academy has been opened to encourage youngsters to get involved with athletics.

The S Factor Academy at Ladywell Arena in Catford is designed to provide top-of-the-range coaching and facilities with the aim of helping young athletes reach the world of international athletics.

Academy ambassador, world champion and Olympic triple jump silver medalist, Phillips Idowu, was on hand to open the facility and answered questions from 40 youngsters who attended the launch.

He told the youngsters: "Love, passion and enjoyment is the key to success. If things go wrong such as an injury, all these factors will keep you going.

"Equally as important is to have self-belief and you must keep believing until you achieve your ultimate goal."

Former Lewisham resident and 400m Commonwealth Games Silver medalist, Lisa Miller, came up with the academy idea.

Speaking after the opening she said: “We offer athletes of all standards the chance to enjoy the sport of track and field, and for those who want to take it further, we have our gifted and talented program."

The academy runs every Saturday and is currently based at Dulwich College for the next eight weeks while Ladywell is refurbished.

Youngsters who take part in the academy will have full use of Ladywell's facilities and will get top tips from the likes of wheelchair basketball Paralympic gold medalist, Ade Adepitan, and 400m world and Olympic champion Christine Ohuroughu.

If successful it is hoped similar academies will be opened across London.

For more information, email admin@sfactoracademy or call Lisa Miller on 075459 54356.