Support available for students with sporting talent

New opportunities for students with sporting talent are available at University Campus Suffolk.

Following the success of the 2012 London Olympics, UCS is looking to maintain the legacy and spirit of the Games by introducing the UCS Sports Scholarship, developed in conjunction with the National Governing Bodies of Sport.

Through the new scheme, UCS (University Campus Suffolk) hopes to encourage more students to excel in both their sporting and academic careers.

With an estimated 85% of the London 2012 team being students and graduates, higher education institutions have a responsibility in not only fostering the minds of students but also their bodies.

To this extent UCS is offering prospective and current students who are performing to a high standard in their chosen sport the chance to apply for a scholarship in order to aid their continued development.

Following in the footsteps of other institutions, such as Loughborough which financed a certain Paula Radcliffe, UCS is offering to support students not only in their academic studies but also in their athletic pursuits. Backing students in this way means that UCS can care for them in all areas of their university experience.

Former Olympian Professor Bill Tancred, now Director of Sport at UCS said, “Sport and physical activity play an important role at UCS, both within the UCS Network and in the wider community. The launch of this exciting new scholarship scheme is an important step for UCS, demonstrating the commitment of the institution to encourage and support sports and physical activity at every level among its students and staff.”

There are two bursary awards that applicants may be eligible for, depending on the level they have reached so far in their chosen sport:

• Level 1 Minor Award (County Standard) – this would see the student awarded £500.

• Level 2 Major Award (National/Junior National Standard) - this would see the students awarded £1,000.

As well as the additional financial support, eligible students will also receive invaluable input and support from the UCS Sport and Exercise Science team, experts in areas including pre-season screening, sports psychology, sports nutrition, strength and conditioning, and performance analysis.

To be eligible for the Scholarship students must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a full or part-time student at UCS in 2014/15;

• Be playing their chosen sport to a County/National/Junior National level;

• Be able to compete for UCS where required in any inter-university competition.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday October 1 2014.

The application form is available on the UCS Applicant Portal (new students) and MyUCS, the UCS intranet site (continuing students).