WORLD class potential has seen Sandburn Hall head professional Steve Robinson embark on an exclusive coaching programme.

Robinson, who holds a number of coaching roles with the England women's golf team, Yorkshire and England Boys, was announced as one of only 22 recruits to join the latest round of Sport Coach UK's Aspire programme.

Over the next 18 months, Robinson will have access to a mentor and have his coaching practices reviewed by his peers. He was selected, following an extensive interview process, from 150 applicants who tried to join the scheme.

Aspire was developed to help "broaden the understanding and influence the practices of coaches with potential to progress to a world class level".

The only representative from golf, Robinson could be working with the likes of Dave Alred, the England kicking coach who helped Jonny Wilkinson boot his nation to World Cup glory in 2003, or Sir Richard Branson.

He said: "The programme gets coaches to look at their practices, their reflections and to see whether they can learn. There were 150 applicants and that was broken down to 50. All those who apply are coaching at a national level.

"I had a one hour interview in front of the heads of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales sport. That 50 was then broken down to 22, who got placed on the programme. Part of the programme is that you get a mentor from another sport. It might be someone like David Alred, the England kicking coach, it might be Sir Richard Branson or Sir Clive Woodward."

Robinson has enjoyed consistent success at the highest level. Last summer he led a England women's side shorn of a number of its most talented players to victory in the home internationals tournament.

He added: "I have already been through the induction day. There are some amazing speakers and amazing resources. I am working with coaches from 17 other sports. There is a lot of crossover work going on.

"It's about how I can get better and what I can learn to help maximise our performances. My first two-day session is in April. They challenge everything that you do. They ask 'Why do you do that? Is that the best way to do it? Have you ever thought about doing it like that?'

"You have got be very open to criticism. You get six days in two years where you spend with your mentor. Usually, they say, you end up being friendly with your mentor and ringing them for the rest of your career.

"They asked me (at interview) why I wanted to do it. I told them I wanted to know if I was any good."

Graham Taylor, head of coaching at UK Sport, said of the latest batch of recruits: "The success of UK athletes and teams would not be possible without the coaches who dedicate their time to developing performers.

"The Aspire programme is a core initiative for building a world-class workforce to support talented athletes and I look forward to seeing the results of the latest cohort of coaches."