4 December 2013

Young athletes aged between 16 and 18 are 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 up to nine days throughout the calendar year, which will be held at regional hubs and on suitable dates to avoid competition clashes, in school holidays and at weekends. Personal coaches will also be invited to attend relevant sessions with their athlete 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 and fitness testing as well as physiotherapy input and support.

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

Development funding is available to athletes who complete the programme to assist with expenditure and transport costs, paid on completion of the award. Personal coaches who engage with the programme are also invited to apply for development funding to assist with their professional development.

To be selected for the programme, athletes must be:

–       Born between 01/09/96–31/08/97
–       Placed within the top 15 in their event in the UK 2013 Power of 10 rankings
–       Possess or be working towards a GCSE grade C or above in English language and mathematics, or any other functional skills qualification 

You will be unable to enrol or remain on the AASE programme if you are enrolled on another apprenticeship or NVQ qualification.

If you think that you should have been invited to AASE but have not yet received a letter, please contact krussell@britishathletics.org.uk with your contact details.  For any questions relating to the AASE programme, please contact jjennings@britishathletics.org.uk