TASS

Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS)

What is the 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. The programme awards Scholarships and Bursars to talented athletes that are committed to combining their sport and education. It aims to reduce the drop out of talented athletes from sport and supports and develops the talent of today for sporting success in the future.

TASS Ambassador, Sir Steve Redgrave CBE, five times Olympic Champion says: "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."

TASS Awards

TASS Bursaries (£1,000) are generally awarded to athletes who are 16-19 years of age (extended to 35 years for disability athletes) and are either in Further Education or are alternatively in work.
TASS Scholarships (£3,000) are generally awarded to athletes who are 18-25 years of age (extended to 35 years for disability athletes) and are studying in Higher Education in England.

Eligibility

For TASS eligibility athletes must reside at an English address or be studying at an English Educational Institute. Athletes must also hold a G.B passport and be eligible to compete in their sport for G.B. Current World Class Funded athletes (Start, Potential and Performance) cannot receive additional funding from TASS.

Athlete Nomination / Selection

Sporting National Governing bodies have located TASS in their Long Term Athlete Performance Pathway. TASS aims to help athletes bridge the gap between non-funding grass routes sport and World Class sport. Therefore it is the responsibility of Sporting National Governing Bodies to identify their TASS athletes. This procedure is done in conjunction with the Educational institutes who are also given the opportunity to nominate athletes. The National Governing Bodies have the final decision on TASS athlete selection, so for further information please contact your National Governing Body.

Timescales of Awards

A TASS bursary or scholarship is made annually for the period 1 August to 31 July

Reselection for future TASS funding

Current TASS athletes are eligible for further TASS funding if they fulfil Educational (Institute), TASS and Performance (NGB) criteria. Sporting National Governing Bodies will be asked to re-nominate current TASS athletes and nominate new athletes.

How do the finances of the awards operate?

Scholars receive £3,000 and Bursars receive £1,000 of funding through sporting support and services. Athletes do not directly receive this funding financially, but access sporting services through educational institute delivery or their National Governing Body.

Which institutes are part of the TASS Programme?

TASS operates across England through nine regional consortia. Each consortium comprises several higher and further education institutions that work together to provide a package of sporting services to TASS scholars and bursars in their region. There are currently over 80 educational establishments across England delivering sporting services on behalf of the programme.

Who provides the sporting services to TASS athletes?

Each athlete is assigned a Lead Institute, who is responsible for mentoring and liasing with the athlete and organising service provision for the athlete.

How can I find further information about my sport and TASS Institutes?

TASS has linked with the English Institute of Sport to provide you with further information on Sports and Educational Institutes. You can find further information about your sport and current Institutes assigned to the TASS programme by clicking here.