Young athletes aged between 16 and 18 are once again getting the chance to take part in the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) programme, giving them the opportunity to gain further qualifications while continuing to develop as an athlete.

Athletes would need to attend the 11 workshops throughout the 2017 calendar year, which include 1:1 days with programme specialists. The programme workshops will be held at regional hubs (Loughborough, Bath, Manchester, Birmingham, Gateshead, London/SE) and on suitable dates to avoid competition clashes, in school holidays and at weekends. Parents as well as personal coaches will also be invited to attend relevant sessions with their athletes and contribute where appropriate to their athlete’s programme.

Workshops will cover topics such as nutrition and performance, sports psychology, lifestyle, communication and media, 100% Me, social media and career planning. Practical elements will include workshops in strength and conditioning, fitness testing as well as physiotherapy input and support.

During the year, athletes will receive education and one-on-one mentoring to help develop a range of skills that will assist them to develop as elite athletes and progress to further education or gain employment in a related field.   

The Coach Assistant qualification course as well as development funding to assist with expenditure and transport costs is available, arranged and paid on the athletes’ full completion of the award. Personal coaches who engage with the programme are also invited to apply for development funding to assist with their own professional development.

Each AASE centre will have its own WCPP athlete allocated, who will attend and answer questions at a number of sessions throughout the year.

To be invited to apply for the programme in 2016, athletes must be:

• Born between 01/09/1999 – 31/08/2000

• Ranked highly on the 2016 Power of 10 rankings (invitations to apply based on the number of programme places allocated – tbc). NB: no hand timed or wind assisted performances will be considered.

• Possesses or be currently working towards a GCSE Grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics, or any equivalent (Level 2 Functional Skills).

Athletes will be unable to enrol or remain on the AASE programme if enrolled on another apprenticeship or NVQ qualification, or are studying in higher education (ie at University).

Athletes identified for the 2017 programme will be contacted in early October and invited to apply to be part of the AASE programme. Please note that places on AASE are limited and early reply is advised to ensure athletes register their interest, as first-come-first-served may apply.

 For any questions relating to the AASE programme, please contact smorris@britishathletics.org.uk