Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme
The Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme, or TASS as it is better known, is a Government funded programme that represents a unique partnership between sport and higher and further education.
TASS, which was established in 2004, is about developing talent today for sporting success tomorrow. It bridges the gap in sport's talent development pathway between junior representative sport and world-class levels for our most talented young sportspeople.
The TASS programme has been created to help hundreds of young people to fulfil their sporting potential by maintaining a sensible balance between academic life or employment whilst training and competing as a performance athlete.
TASS Ambassador, Sir Steve Redgrave CBE, five times Olympic Champion said: "I know how difficult it is to develop in your sport to the highest levels whilst undertaking academic studies or a career. This exciting new scheme provides our most promising future Olympians with top quality sporting services and access to good quality training facilities".
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There are three ways in which TASS can help talented sportspeople in England:
TASS Scholarships are for 18 to 25 year olds (extended upper age limit of 35 for a scholar with a disability) who are undertaking higher or further education.
TASS Bursaries are for 16 to 19 years olds (extended upper age limit of 35 for a bursar with a disability) who are undertaking further education or have left education to pursue a career.
TASS 2012 Scholarships, which was launched in 2005, are primarily targeted at 12 to 18 year olds and will support around 100 young sportspeople that have the potential to be a medallist at future winter and summer Olympiads and international sporting competitions.
In recognising that athletes in some sports typically reach their peak earlier (e.g. gymnastics) or later (e.g. equestrians) than the programme's standard age range, governing bodies are permitted to seek approval to nominate TASS 2012 athletes within a discretionary age range of usually between 10 and 20.
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How are TASS athletes identified?
Most stars of the future are known by their national governing bodies and already receive support to develop in their sport, and it is therefore these bodies that are in the best position to select athletes for a TASS award. TASS athletes are also identified from other sources, including nominations to governing bodies from schools, colleges, and universities.
Who do I contact about applying for a TASS award?
In the first instance, you should check that you, or the person you are nominating, meets the eligibility criteria in respect of age and sport. You should then approach your sport's national governing body.
How can I find out more about TASS?
More information on TASS and eligibility criteria can be found on the TASS website at www.tass.gov.uk, or you can write, fax, or telephone the office of the TASS National Manager at:
Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme
University of Northumbria
Sport Development Centre
Coach Lane
Benton
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE7 7XA
Tel. 0191 215 6567
Fax. 0191 215 6262
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