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Elite Athlete Scheme


Student Journey / Student Information / Support Services / Team Sunderland / Performance / Elite Athlete Scheme
EA class of 2023-24

Elite Athlete Scheme

As part of the University of Sunderland’s continued development of services that it can offer elite athletes during their time at university, the Institute of Sport has implemented and grown the Elite Athlete Scheme.

The Team Sunderland Elite Athlete Scheme exists for student athletes performing at an advanced level, providing financial support and opportunities for personal development.

We help students striving to fulfil their athletic potential whilst studying at our institution; providing specialist sport science support, mentoring, sport massage and physiotherapy as well as nutritional advice, lifestyle management and strength and conditioning. Financial contributions are provided to assist with fees associated with competing such as travel and accommodation.

SIr David Bell quote

Meet our Elite Athlete class of 2023-24 below

What the scheme provides

  • Up to £1000 worth of funding and support
  • Sports massage & physiotherapy
  • Marketing and media training
  • Strength and conditioning support
  • Nutrition and lifestyle management
  • Sport Science support
  • Sport psychology assistance
  • Travel and accommodation support
  • CitySpace Fitness Membership

Scheme Eligibility

  • Must participate in a sport recognised by BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport)
  • Applicants must agree to represent the University in their chosen sport
  • Applicants must be on a full time undergraduate or postgraduate course at the University of Sunderland for the year they are applying
  • Applicants must have been selected within the last 18 months to compete at the level which they state in their application - Regional, National or International
  • Previous acceptance on the scheme does not guarantee a space the following year. You must apply each year!

Alongside the eligibility criteria, once you are a member of Team Sunderland as an Elite Athlete we have some conditions you will need to continually meet:

  • Successful applicants to the scheme must have exemplary class attendance and maintain satisfactory academic and sporting progress to retain access to the allocated support
  • It is expected that students entering the scheme will play a full part in sport at the University of Sunderland and represent the university when it is compatible with their training, competition and academic programmes
  • Scheme participants are required to display the highest standards of sporting behaviours at all times as expected in sport generally & abide by the Team Sunderland Code of Conduct
  • Each successful athlete must sign a Team Sunderland contract and payments will be made in instalments when relevant criteria is met

How to Apply

The scheme is now CLOSED for 2024-25.

To find out more information please contact laura.hockaday@sunderland.ac.uk or call 0191 515 3696.