Supporting your elite sporting students

Many of your students compete and perform in a range of sports, either as an individual athlete or within a team. For those with sporting talent, going to university is a chance to develop their sporting ability, whilst also getting a degree.

Your students may compete at a county level, represent their country, or play for a local league. Regardless of their current ability, there will be a sporting opportunity that suits them at university.

For competitive sports, your students can take part in matches against other universities. Inter-university competitions are run by British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS). Your students can check the BUCS league of their preferred sport to see which universities are competing at a high level.

For some students, it makes sense to explore sporting opportunities in the local area that suit their needs better. Most universities will have partnerships with local clubs. In some cases, academics and coaches who work for the university may also play for local or national teams.

At the University of Winchester, we have a strong partnership with one of the largest athletics clubs in the UK based on membership numbers. Prospective students wouldn't necessarily know that without a bit of research. Your students may need assistance identifying which universities are linked to certain sports, particularly when associated with teams or clubs in the area.

The Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) is a funding programme backed by Sport England. TASS supports young sports players and athletes seeking to gain qualifications whilst also achieving their sporting goals.

Schemes such as these recognise that undergraduates involved in elite sport need extra support to balance the needs of their studies with their sporting commitments. For example, students who have been away at competitions or training camps will need to access resources and catch-up sessions with teaching staff if they missed the original lectures.

Most universities are flexible about the balance between studying, competing, and training for their elite sports players. However, if the course is demanding - perhaps a work placement is required - then students need to consider whether they will enjoy balancing sport and studying. Their broader university experience will be shaped by the time committed to training and academic study.

Many institutions offer sport scholarships and bursaries. These are often competitive and the numbers are limited. Rather than handing out money, many scholarships help students attend competitions, physiotherapy sessions in university facilities, and afford a gym membership.

It’s important that your students include this in their research, so encourage them to check university websites before they apply. Often, the support isn't confirmed until students have accepted the university as their firm choice.

Great facilities can make a huge difference to training. It's important for your students to consider the way they train now, but also how this may change as they progress with their career. This might be the practical aspects such as pools, athletic tracks, or accommodation with a gym. Or it could be the expertise of coaching staff to hone their athletic talents.

For your elite sporting students, advise them to dig a little deeper into the support, facilities, and opportunities outside their degree study. These can have a significant impact on their career prospects.