Barton Peveril’s Talented Athletes

Barton Peveril have been awarded Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) Accreditation. The TASS Dual Career Accreditation Scheme, ran by Sport England, ensures elite athletes can compete at the highest level whilst studying.

Barton Peveril were awarded TASS Accreditation after its ability to support talented athletes in their studies, whilst competing nationally and internationally, was recognised. Representatives from TASS will work with Barton Peveril to deliver a programme of support in key areas, which can assist athletes in and out of competition. These key areas include: Lifestyle, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Strength & Condition and Medical.

Ten current first year students at Barton Peveril have been placed on the scheme:

Former Brookfield Community School students Victoria Percy and Matt Sullivan, who compete in Horseball and Swimming respectively; Discus thrower Joshua Douglas, who attended Thornden School; Applemore College’s former pupil and High Jumper Jessica Gordon; Sam Mackenzie, who plays Hockey and was previously a pupil at Upper Shirley High School; Netball player and former Meoncross School pupil Ellie Harding; Cyclist Abbie Manley, who attended Wildern School; Table Tennis player and former pupil of The Mountbatten School, William Poulter; former Kings’ School Winchester pupil and Para-Equestrian Jamie Winduss; and former The Hamble School pupil Tom Holland, who competes in Kayaking.

Barton Peveril Teacher of Sport and TASS Dual Career Coordinator, Alix Christopher, commented on the scheme:

“I’m really looking forward to getting this program underway. We have an extensive program of lifestyle support workshops and some excellent links with universities who are also part of the TASS network. Being accredited to TASS means we can provide more structured support for those students who are having to balance their academic studies along with heavy training schedules and competitions. We want to ensure that students achieve their full potential at College both academically and in the sporting arena.”

Former Applemore College student Jessica Gordon, who will be on the scheme, said:

“I’m happy to be selected as a TASS athlete, being on the program will help me to focus on high jump with the support of college to balance my timetable alongside this. I think that this will be important as I reach a higher level of competition.”

Sam Mackenzie, formerly of Upper Shirley High School, also commented on his selection for the scheme:

“Being a TASS athlete will allow me to combine my academic studies with my sport, giving me a great opportunity to for fill my potential in both.”