TALENTED athletes are being offered the best chances of success as a college is recognised nationally for supporting their sporting and academic learning in equal measure.
Darlington College is now leading the way countrywide by supporting emerging athletes in education, after being accredited by an innovative Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) initiative.
TASS Dual Career Accreditation is a Sport England scheme that recognises educational institutions that effectively help talented young athletes balance high-level sport with their studies.
The scheme ensures they build life and career building skills without having to sacrifice academics for sport, or vice versa, by making the most of the college’s flexibility around assignment deadlines, timetables and a holistic support network. This includes workshops in time-management, organisation, effective communication, mental health and resilience as well as interviewing techniques and CV writing.
Andrew Manners, senior lecturer in sport and the designated TASS dual career co-ordinator, said: “This is recognition of the support we give our students and evidence that this is the best place for talented athletes wanting to be successful at their chosen sport and with their academic studies.
“More than 70 students are on our TASS supported athlete list which includes two football academies and a Northern Ireland powerchair team member Kyle Forster, who recently finished sixth overall in the European Powerchair Football Association Nations Cup in Italy.”
Previous students supported include Lucy Patey (sport science), who was part of the GB EggChaser Rugby Academy squad, European Jiu Jitsu champion Layton Szikora (sport), champion welterweight boxer Sammy Awala (sport science), World Kettlebell Weightlifting Championship gold medal winner Elliot Peacock (automotive) and Enduro Downhill Racing Champion Hollie Vayro (bricklaying).
“I feel very passionate about this,” said Andrew. “When I was 16-18, I played for Sunderland AFC full-time but continued my education with a BTEC qualification and an A level. Following this, I moved to America on a soccer scholarship and spent four years as a student-athlete and a coach for 12, so I appreciate the value of such an initiative.
“During our recruitment process students will be asked if they are talented athletes and need additional support. As a result of the accreditation a lot of student athletes out there will be able to find help and support at Darlington College. We are so excited about the accreditation as it puts us on the sporting map.”
TASS national director Guy Taylor said: “We are delighted to be awarding TASS Dual Career Accreditation to the college.
“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.”
The accreditation scheme is mentioned in the education section of Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson’s Duty of Care in Sport Review.
She said: “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.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.