TASS explained

What is the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme?

The Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme, or TASS as it is better known, is a Government funded programme that represents a unique partnership between sport and higher and further education. 

TASS is about developing talent today for sporting success tomorrow.

TASS bridges the gap in sport's talent development pathway between junior representative sport and world-class levels for our most talented 16 to 25 year old sportspeople.

The TASS programme has been created to help hundreds to fulfil their sporting potential by maintaining a sensible balance between academic life or employment whilst training and competing as a performance athlete.

Sir Steve Redgrave CBE, five times Olympian said: "I know how difficult it is to develop in your sport to the highest levels whilst undertaking academic studies or a career.  This exciting new scheme provides our most promising future Olympians with top quality sporting services and access to good quality training facilities." 

Extract from www.tass.gov.uk

Athlete information

TASS Awards

TASS Bursaries (�1,000) are generally awarded to athletes who are 16-19 years of age (extended to 35 years for disability athletes) and are either in Further Education or are alternatively in work.

TASS Scholarships (�3,000) are generally awarded to athletes who are 18-25 years of age (extended to 35 years for disability athletes) and are studying in Higher Education in England. 

Eligibility

For TASS eligibility athletes must reside at an English address or be studying at an English Educational Institute. Athletes must also hold a G.B passport and be eligible to compete in their sport for G.B. Current World Class Funded athletes (Start, Potential and Performance) cannot receive additional funding from TASS. 

Athlete Nomination / Selection

Sporting National Governing bodies have located TASS in their Long Term Athlete Performance Pathway. TASS aims to help athletes bridge the gap between non-funding grass routes sport and World Class sport. Therefore it is the responsibility of Sporting National Governing Bodies to identify their TASS athletes. This procedure is done in conjunction with the Educational institutes who are also given the opportunity to nominate athletes. The National Governing Bodies have the final decision on TASS athlete selection, so for further information please contact your National Governing Body. 

Timescales of Awards

A TASS bursary or scholarship is made annually for the period 1 August to 31 July

Reselection for future TASS funding

Current TASS athletes are eligible for further TASS funding if they fulfil Educational (Institute), TASS and Performance (NGB) criteria. Sporting National Governing Bodies will be asked to re-nominate current TASS athletes and nominate new athletes.

How do the finances of the awards operate?

Scholars receive �3,000 and Bursars receive �1,000 of funding through sporting support and services. Athletes do not directly receive this funding financially, but access sporting services through educational institute delivery or their National Governing Body. 

Extract from www.tass.gov.uk