SNOW sports legend, Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards, is working with Trafford’s Chill Factore to launch a talent-spotting programme.

Different to other talent spotting initiatives, Eddie The Eagle will be looking to reward young people who show passion and potential to achieve their ambitions regardless of whether they’ve competed before, and give a helping hand to those who otherwise might not have had the opportunity to realise their dreams.

Eddie said: “I know first-hand what it’s like to be told you can’t achieve something and I strongly believe that you can be anything you want to be with the determination and passion to fulfil your dreams.

"I'm still just as passionate about skiing and I was when I started 40 years ago. My passion started when I was13years-old on school ski trip. It was easier for us then. We just borrowed some stuff, found some snow and jumped over the fence.

"I've slept in cars, cow sheds, worked in hotels and shovelling snow all in order to stay out and do what I love. I've been anywhere and everywhere that has snow."

“Working with Chill Factore, that’s exactly what we hope to do – give young people with a love of snowsports the chance to fulfil their destiny and know that nothing is out of reach if you want it enough. This isn’t about how many times you’ve competed, the records you hold or the number of followers you have on social media. We are looking to celebrate the untapped passion and potential out there.”

Young people need to submit a 200 word written explanation as to why they should be chosen, a bit about themselves, future aspirations and why they have the passion and potential to realise their snow sports dream. Applicants must also attach supporting evidence which shows their personality and sporting prowess (not necessarily just snow sports). Entries must be sent to chillfactore@hatchpr.co.uk by September 22.

20 applicants will be shortlisted by October 9 and on October 23 will get the chance to tell Eddie why they have the passion and potential to succeed in snow sports and showcase their skills at a talent spotting event on the slope.

As a prize, Eddie will shortlist up to five athletes to receive 12 months sponsorship as part of Chill Factore’s sponsored athletes programme which will include training and unlimited use of the slope.

The scheme is open to youngsters aged six to18 and to all disciplines from Alpine, Freeski, Freestyle, Moguls, Ski Cross, Boarder cross, Snowboard half-pipe, Snowboard Slope-style and various DSUK.

Entry criteria is as follows:

Passion

•Willing to go above and beyond to realise your snow sports dream

•A true and unrelenting passion and love for snow sports

•Ambition and dedication to training and continuous development

Potential

•A flair for snow sports and drive to become the best

•Prepared to commit every hour it takes to become the next big thing

•A good ambassador for Chill Factore with a professional manner

Criteria for entry

•Entrants must be between the age of 6 and 18 years old.

•Entrants must meet the Chill Factore minimum main slope standard which requires you to; wear the right clothing, be able to control your speed and direction, link your turns be comfortable with variable piste conditions and stop and use the button lift unassisted.

•Entrants can be any ability level, from a beginner through to a skilled skier or snowboarder.

•The competition is open to all disciplines from Alpine, Freeski, Freestyle, Moguls, Ski Cross, Boarder cross, Snowboard half-pipe, Snowboard Slope-style and various DSUK.

•Entrants must be available to participate in key competition stage on 23rd October

•Entrants must not be represented by any other snow sports centres