Our Sports Scholarship Scheme is one of the most prestigious in the UK, helping some of the UK's most talented young athletes to reach their sporting potential while balancing the demands of studying at a top university.
They provide the most talented student athletes with comprehensive support packages tailored to the needs of each individual. Support can include specialist coaching, strength and conditioning training, physiotherapy, sports psychology, performance analysis, and lifestyle management.
Since the programme launched in 1999, nearly 200 students have benefited from the support on offer. Many of them have been able to achieve their goals and have progressed to a professional level in their chosen sport, representing their respective countries on the global stage.
Kathryn Lane (Business and Management, 2016) received a scholarship which she says helped her to achieve both her academic and sporting goals:
"You often get pulled in a lot of different directions at Uni and the scholarship programme helped to maintain the balance. The financial side helped me fund my travel around the country which I needed to attend training camps."
Kathryn went on to win a Bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2018.
David 'Freddie' Carr (Exercise and Sport Sciences, 2004) also explains the benefits of receiving an award:
"Having a scholarship made a big difference to me. I was sailing for the BUSA (British Universities Sailing Association) national team which meant a lot of travel, including overseas. The cost of travelling to compete racks up quickly and the scholarship helped to cover this, meaning I could represent my university and my country. This included winning the inaugural World University Sailing Championship in 2002."
In recent years current and former scholarship recipients have represented their countries in sports including Cricket, Cycling, Fencing, Golf, Hockey, Lacrosse, Netball, Rowing, Rugby, Sailing, Shooting and Tennis.
Many of our scholarships are provided thanks to the generosity of donors who enjoy following the progress of scholars and watching them compete during their time at the University and beyond graduation:
"It is enormously satisfying to be able to help develop the potential of talented young cricketers at our University, and watch their skill and confidence grow."
Professor Jenny (Politics 1968) and Mr Stephen Harrow (History 1967).
Each year, up to 50 Sports Scholars benefit from the scheme and with your help, we can support many more. All gifts, of every size are welcome and collectively can be transformational.
