British Youth Sailing unveils pioneering Diploma in Sporting Excellence
by Will Carson 12 Jun 2020 12:50 BST
British Youth Sailing unveils pioneering Diploma in Sporting Excellence © RYA
British Youth Sailing is launching its new Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) supporting talented and committed young athletes with the potential to be high achievers in sailing.
The Level 3 diploma, worth 64 UCAS points, combines sailing and full-time education so participants have the skills, knowledge and competence to pursue sporting excellence alongside education and a future career in sport.
A first for sailing in the UK, the course will be delivered by British Youth Sailing and Loughborough College. The pilot scheme will feature 12 places, beginning in September 2020.
DiSE is funded by the Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) as a dual career pathway for athletes who have been recognised and nominated by their National Governing Body as having high potential for excellence.
The programme is delivered over two years, with sailors able to choose their further education studies, such as A levels, BTEC or other vocational qualifications alongside DiSE.
Sailors must be in full time education for the duration of the DiSE programme.
Applicants must have five GCSEs of minimum grade 4 (or C), preferably including maths and English, and be starting year 12 in September 2020.
Sailors should have ambition to be part of and progress within the British Youth Sailing pathway.
The diploma will be delivered through 10 to 15 days of bespoke BYS training camps during weekends and holidays, on top of class training and squad activity.
It will include contact days on the water, workshops, online lessons and 1:1 specialist reviews.
Course modules include lifestyle, finance, anti-doping and injury management alongside specialist sessions in mental skills and nutrition. Assessments are through practical work, written tasks and recorded discussions.
British Youth Sailing and Loughborough College will work within the Government’s Covid-19 guidelines to ensure a safe programme is delivered.
“This is real positive step to further supporting our sailors in education which I am excited to see grow and develop,” said Jack Grundy, RYA Performance Manager.
“This qualification gives learners the preparation they need to be able to continue to compete in their sport at elite level and/or to use the knowledge, skills and competency they have gained to progress to employment in sport or to an alternative career pathway.”
To register your interest for the course, please fill out the form here. The deadline for applications is midday on June 19.