University of Birmingham - Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS)

What TASS gives you

You will receive a support package worth about 4,000 EUR per year – not in the form of cash, but as specialist sports services selected specifically for you. These include strength and conditioning training, physiotherapy, sports psychology, sports nutrition and support for personal development. You will also receive the TASS Medical Scheme, which covers the costs of prompt treatment for sports-related injuries and illnesses. In addition, you will receive a free, confidential 24/7 mental health service with up to 12 therapy sessions per issue per year. Support is provided for 12 months and can be extended. The programme is funded by Sport England through the National Lottery and delivered via a nationwide network of universities, including the University of Birmingham.

Who can apply

• Age: You are between 16 and 25 years old.
• Level: You are close to the very top of the talent development pathway in your sport. The national governing body for your sport (the organisation that administers your sport and selects athletes) has identified you. You are not yet receiving funding from UK Sport, but you are on the verge of reaching world-class level.
• Sport: TASS currently supports athletes in 42 sports, covering a wide range of disciplines.
• Study status: You may be enrolled on a full-time course (at school, a university of applied sciences or a university) or not be studying at all.
• Where you compete: You are eligible to play for England. A number of Welsh and Scottish universities are also listed by name.
• Field of study: Any topic. The award is about your sport, not your degree programme.

How to apply

You cannot apply yourself. The national governing body for your sport will put you forward. At the University of Birmingham, nominations are usually made between June and August, and decisions on the award of scholarships are made once a year. If you are selected, you will attend an induction session at your allocated location. There, staff will assess your needs and draw up your personalised support plan.

How realistic are your chances?

The selection process is not in your hands. Your national sports federation must first identify you as one of the best up-and-coming athletes in your sport, which means the pool of eligible candidates is already very small. If your national sports federation rates you so highly and you meet the requirements in terms of age and performance level, your chances are good, as the TASS programme is designed precisely for these athletes. You cannot improve your chances by applying directly; it depends solely on your standing within your sport.