Get in Touch
We'd love to hear from you โ athletes, sponsors, media, or friends of the Academy.
Training Venue
Nehru Stadium
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
India
Phone
+91-98843-78016
Chief Coach Don Wilcox
Training Hours
Mon โ Sat
6:00 AM โ 9:00 AM
4:00 PM โ 7:00 PM
Write to Us
Location
Full Address
Nehru Stadium, Chepauk
Chennai โ 600 005
Tamil Nadu, India
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is training really free?
Yes โ 100% free. No coaching fees, no equipment fees, no accommodation fees. The Academy is funded entirely through sponsors and donations.
Who can join the Academy?
Athletes aged 12โ22 from rural or underprivileged backgrounds in Tamil Nadu are prioritised. We also welcome athletes with hearing or speech impairment โ our program has a strong track record with para-athletes.
Does the athlete need prior pole vault experience?
No. We coach from scratch. Natural athletic ability, coachability, and commitment are what we look for โ not prior training. Coach Don Wilcox has developed athletes from complete beginners.
How do I nominate a talented young athlete?
Fill in the nomination form on our Rural Training page or call Coach Don Wilcox directly on +91-98843-78016.
How can I sponsor the Academy?
Visit our Sponsorship page for full details on donation tiers, or contact us directly. We welcome poles, equipment, camp funding, or full athlete sponsorship.
Where is the training held?
All training is conducted at Nehru Stadium, Chennai, where athletes also reside. The annual Ooty altitude camp is held in the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu.