Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme - TASS Scholarship

What TASS gives you

You will receive a package of specialist sports science services worth up to about 4,100 EUR per year (up to £3,500). This is a benefit in kind, not a cash payment. TASS is a programme funded by the UK Government. It is financed by Sport England through the National Lottery and delivered by Northumbria University in Newcastle. The support is tailored to you as an athlete and includes:

• Strength and conditioning: A training plan for a strong, injury-resistant body.
• Physiotherapy: Injury prevention and rehabilitation tailored to your sport.
• Sport psychology: Goal-setting, concentration, self-confidence and coping with pressure.
• Performance nutrition: Personalised recommendations on what to eat and when.
• Personal development: Skills for elite sport and life beyond it.
• Medical scheme: Fast-track access to treatment for sports injuries, in partnership with the NHS.
• Mental health support: a free 24/7 helpline and up to 12 counselling sessions per problem per year.

You will be assigned to one of the approximately 43 TASS centres across the UK. There, an assessment interview will be conducted to determine exactly what you need.

Who can apply

• Sport level: You are one of the best young athletes in your sport and are at the forefront of Sport England’s talent development programme.
• Age: You are 16 or older.
• Sport: Any sport in the youth programme is eligible; there are more than 40 disciplines in total.
• Where you are based: You run your training courses in the UK, mainly in England, as well as at partner venues in Wales and Scotland.
• Study or training: Whilst a school or vocational education is helpful, it is 2022 that provides the support all athletes need to reach the top of their careers.

How to apply

You cannot apply yourself. Your national governing body – that is, the official organisation that governs your sport – will nominate you for TASS. If you are nominated, you will receive an email. TASS will then assess whether you meet the criteria, and you will attend a face-to-face induction session at your allocated venue.

How realistic are your chances?

The path to getting there is narrow. Only the governing body for your sport can nominate you, and even then only if you are at the very top of the talent pyramid. There is no open selection process, so it is your standing within your sport that counts, not a written application. If your governing body classifies you at this level and puts forward your name, TASS aims to support every nominated athlete who meets the criteria – so your prospects are good.