Divers can now apply for Aquatic Diploma in Sporting Excellence

Applications are now open for an industry-leading educational programme for divers on the Swim England talent pathway.

The Aquatic Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) is delivered in conjunction with Loughborough College and gives athletes the opportunity to combine their studies alongside training and competitions.

It is a two-year programme which is delivered through Swim England workshops, camps, club visits and online one-to-one progress reviews, supported by professional coaches, specialist practitioners, talent staff and DiSE assessors.

Topics covered include career planning and finance, lifestyle nutrition, health and safety, technical, tactical and physical skills, mental skills, anti-doping, sports injuries, behaviours and values plus comms and media.

Divers who have graduated through the programme include Olympic champions Tom Daley and Matty Lee.

Developing skills and qualifications

Rachel Weston, one of the Swim England DiSE managers, said: “This fantastic opportunity offers the perfect environment for talented athletes to combine their sport and education and earn a prestigious, recognised qualification.

“Young, emerging athletes will gain the skills, knowledge and ability to pursue their full potential in sporting excellence, alongside developing the skills and qualifications for their post-18 career.”

The DiSE 2022 programme will run over two academic years from September 2022 to July 2024 and applications must be submitted by 30 June 2022.

Applicants must be born between 1 September 2005 and 21 August 2006, be enrolling on a full-time state-funded further education programme, a member of an English club and meet the sport specific performance criteria.

Brandon Foster said his experience on the DiSE programme was ‘amazing.

He added: “It taught me a lot on the way.

“It matured me as a diver and broadened my knowledge within the sport and other aquatic disciplines.

“I enjoyed meeting new people and built good relationships with both assessors and athletes.

“My assessor was very helpful, as were the other assessors around the country. They always checked in with me, and were interested in my results and training.

Interesting and insightful

“As a coach on a Swim England programme, to this day I still use some knowledge which I learnt on DiSE.

“It made me realise how enjoyable working within sport is, and how I should appreciate it more.”

Holly Prasanto added: “I found the programme interesting and insightful.

“It gave me a greater understanding of sport in a technical and physical capacity along with assistance in developing a personal nutritional and psychological programme which I was able to apply to the sport of diving.

“The programme gave me an opportunity to meet and engage with new athletes who were following a similar path to my own.

“I really enjoyed meeting new athletes who had all been through the same training schedule and were able to relate to their own personal stories.

“It gives you a sense that you are not alone.”

To find out more about DiSE and apply, click here or email rachel.weston@swimming.org.

Top