The Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) is a Government funded multi-million pound scheme that is in its fifth year of operation for Equestrian Sport in England. The overall aim of TASS is to assist Great Britain's most talented young athletes, who wish to optimise the effectiveness of their sport and their academic programmes.
TASS provides an opportunity for equestrian athletes to take advantage of support that will propel them towards success on the world stage, whilst ensuring that they can fulfil their academic potential alongside their sporting ambitions. This system is driven through partnerships working between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Further Education Colleges (FECs), National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGB's), in this case the British Equestrian Federation, and other sports organisations.
The opportunities that the TASS scheme offers Equestrian sport could be significant in encouraging talented young equestrian athletes to continue their education by providing training funds and support, fitness and lifestyle support and forms an important stepping stone between the SportsAid Scheme and the World Class Development Programme. The support that TASS offers provides not only financial assistant, but also the confidence and status of being formally recognized by their NGB and UK Sport as a talented individual with a bright future in the sport.
TASS is open to equestrian athletes in the three Olympic equestrian disciplines, Para-Equestrian Dressage, and two non-Olympic equestrian disciplines, Driving and Vaulting. Due to a re-allocation of funding there will be a restriction on TASS places made available for equestrian athletes in 2009/10.
The following criteria will be used to identify equestrian athletes selected to the TASS programme:
- Aged between 15 (16 by 1st June 2010) - 25 years (up to 35 years for Para-Equestrian Dressage riders)
- Recognised from performance profile to be a potential future international winner.
- Commitment to an agreed annual training programme.
- Commitment to an agreed annual competition programme (where applicable).
- Meet minimum academic entry requirements, specified by the University/College.
- Reside at an English address or be studying at an English Educational Institute.
- Achieve qualification standard set by the British Equestrian Federation in consultation with the governing body for each discipline.
- The final selection to TASS will be at the discretion of the British Equestrian Federation.
There is one type of TASS award and successful candidates aged between 15-25 years (35 years for Para-Equestrian Dressage) will be receive funding/services to the sum of £3,500.
The closing date for applications is 10th September 2009, application forms and FAQ's can be downloaded here
For more information please contact: Sarah Armstrong, World Class Programme Manager. Tel: 07881 950543/ 02476 698874/01480 860448. Email: sarah.armstrong@bef.co.uk
