University of Brighton joins dual-career scheme to support talented athletes

The university has been accredited by the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme which helps young sportspeople pursue their goals while gaining qualifications.

The Sport England-backed programme allows athletes to reach their full potential in education alongside their successes in sport. By becoming a Dual Career Accredited Site, the University of Brighton will be a key part of the network of institutions which already partner with TASS, delivering core support services to more than 600 student-athletes each year.

These services include physiotherapy, nutrition, lifestyle support, psychology strength and conditioning and a private medical scheme.

Already among the elite athletes studying at the university are Sports Scholars George Mills, who recently won the British Athletics Indoor title over 1500m, and Wales international hockey player Lauren Roberts.

Barry Squires, Head of Sport at Sport Brighton – the university’s sporting arm – said: “We are extremely proud to have been awarded TASS Dual Career Accreditation.

“Sport Brighton is committed to supporting our students achieve both academic and sporting excellence, under-pinned by strong professional relationships within schools to enable academic flexibility.

“The Dual Career Accreditation highlights our dedication to supporting the overall personal, professional development and wellbeing of our student athletes through a comprehensive programme of support.

“We look forward to welcoming more talented high performance student athletes to the university as a result of this accreditation”.

The scheme has been backed by British Paralympic great Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, who led the Duty of Care in Sport review, published in 2017: “I believe we have a duty to help young people to achieve their potential, whilst prioritising their welfare, wellbeing and education.

“For the vast majority of athletes, skills and formal qualifications are needed to help them find alternative careers, either alongside their sporting activities or once their sporting days are over.

“For me, the TASS Dual Career Accreditation Scheme is a vitally important measure to ensuring all athletes have the chance to pursue an education and enjoy a more well-rounded approach to life.”

TASS National Director, Guy Taylor, said: “We’re delighted to be awarding TASS Dual Career Accreditation. Dual career support is at the forefront of what TASS does and that’s why the Accreditation Scheme is so important for us in recognising those institutions who place precedence on their athletes’ education too.

“We hope that the academic flexibility policies put into place for the Accreditation will begin to develop an effective and lasting dual career structure within each institution.”

Visit Sport Brighton to find out more about the scholarships they offer.