Elite Athlete Performance Programme & Scholarships
The Elite Athlete Performance Programme is designed to support the very best student athletes in any sporting discipline who are aspiring to compete at under 21 international level and beyond or seeking to secure a professional playing contract upon graduation.
The University awards approximately twelve scholarships per year which entitle the chosen athletes to £2,000 on an annual basis throughout their undergraduate career. Athletes wishing to apply for a Scholarship must do so at the time they apply to study at Durham University.
- October 2010 Entry Scholarship Application Process Now Closed
- October 2011 Entry Scholarship Application Process Will Open in September 2010
Want more information? Contact the Director of Sport, Dr. Peter Warburton: p.a.warburton@dur.ac.uk or click on the following link: Vice Chancellor's Scholarships
All scholarship athletes automatically receive access to Team Durham’s Elite Athlete Performance programme. In addition a further twelve, non scholarship athletes, will receive access to the programme on an annual basis. These additional places will be awarded to students in October of each year through a formal application and interview process.
The programme is in place to cater for athletes from any sporting discipline and is tailored to individual requirements. All of the selected athletes will have a personal mentor who will work with the individual and coaches to develop an appropriate programme that reflects their specific requirements and aspirations.
Services available within the Elite Athlete Performance Programme include:
• Personalised nutrition plans
• Individual video technique analysis
• Enhanced lifestyle and time management support
• Personalised strength and conditioning programmes
• Access to sport psychology support
• Access to an on-site doctor
• Enhanced access to Connect Physical Health Centre injury and injury prevention support
• Access to development workshops in areas such as:
- Working with the media
- Planning for life beyond sport
- Dealing with the pressures of being an elite athlete
- Healthy cooking
*Please note that programmes will be designed to reflect the requirements of each individual and, as such, not all of the services listed above will be available to all of the athletes within the Elite Athlete Performance Programme.
In addition to the Elite Athlete Performance Programme, any student athlete competing above University representative level will have the opportunity to apply for financial support to assist with travel costs.
2008/09 was the first year of our sporting scholarships. The information below gives you a flavour of what our current scholars have achieved before and during their time at Durham
2008/09 Scholars
Abi Ryan (Netball)
Degree: BA Geography
College: St. John's
Recent Highlights: Current Team Northumbria Super League player, Abi has also captained England under 19s and competed for England under 21s.
Sarah Cowburn (Rowing)
Degree: BA Combined Social Sciences
College: Collingwood
Recent Highlights: Despite still being eligible for under 23 competition Sarah is currently competing at senior international level with recent results including a silver medal at the 2009 Munich Rowing World Cup in the W4x and a fifth place at the 2009 Lucerne Rowing World Cup in the W4X.
Tom Westley (Cricket)
Degree: BA Sport
College: St. Cuthberts Society
Recent Highlights: England under 19 regular and captain until he recently became ineligible due to age. Tom has also played 19 First Class matches for Essex County Cricket Club.
Sandra Hyslop (Wildwater Canoeing)
Degree: BSc Natural Sciences
College: Collingwood
Recent Highlights: In June 2009 Sandra won an individual silver medal at the Senior European Wildwater Racing Championships in Italy, ranking her as the second best athlete in her discipline in Europe.
Dan Coultas (Hockey)
Degree: BA Sport
College: George Stephenson
Recent Highlights: Dan is a regular in the Scotland under 21 hockey side having scored two goals for his country from the central defensive position. He is also a first team regular in the Durham University England Hockey National League side.
Kira Roberts (Fencing)
Degree: BA English Literature
College: Castle
Recent Highlights: Kiera won an individual gold medal in the sabre competition at the Junior Commonwealth Games in February. She has also won the Senior Cornwall Open and, in July 2009, won the bronze medal at the Senior British Sabre Championships.
Jo Fitzsimmons (Rowing)
Degree: BA Music
College: Collingwood
Recent Highlights: Jo travelled to the Youth Olympics in January 2009. She came home with gold medals in the Women's Coxless Four and the Women's Coxless Pair. She also won a bronze in the Women's Eight.
