EIGHTEEN promising young local athletes have signed up to Brockenhurst College’s dual career scheme since it was launched last year.
Officially known as the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS), the programme helps young people get the very best from their sporting and academic endeavours without having to choose between the two.
So far, rising stars of rugby, volleyball, Ju-jitsu, handball, sailing, gymnastics, netball, hockey, fencing, rowing, trampolining and taekwondo have all taken advantage of the initiative.
For many athletes, skills and formal qualifications are needed to help them find alternative careers to run either alongside their sporting activities or for after they retire from professional sport.
As a Dual Career Accredited Site, Brockenhurst College is part of a network of institutions that partner with TASS, delivering core support services to more than 600 student athletes each year.
Support services include physiotherapy, nutrition, lifestyle support, psychology, strength and conditioning, plus a private medical scheme.
Sport Lecturer and Academy Rugby Coach at Brockenhurst College, Richard Carrel, said: “We are delighted with the uptake for our dual-career scheme in its first year.
“This system is the ideal way to assist talented athletes with their development, while keeping them grounded and working towards academic and/or vocational qualifications.”
Brockenhurst College leavers include Southampton striker Danny Ings and Welsh football international Sam Vokes, as well as British track World Champion cyclist Jon Dibben.
