Sporty students can get the elite athlete treatment with new UON scholarship

Students with a talent for sport can raise their game thanks to a new scholarship from the University of Northampton.

The University is offering 15 places on its Northampton Energy Elite Athlete Scholarship Programme, which offers student athletes a support network that allows them to balance the demands of performance sport with academic study.

The scholarship is open to all students on any UON undergraduate or postgraduate course with a higher level of sporting ability.

The scholarship will be overseen by the University’s Applied Sport Scientist, Luke Callis, who joined the University in 2021 from Premier League side, Sheffield United, where he worked in the Blades’ academy.

Luke said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for the University as we look to grow our sporting portfolio. I believe we have the right facilities and personnel in place to create an environment where student athletes can maximise their athletic and academic potential. We will be drawing on a range of expertise to create a programme comparable to any elite level institution with the aim of becoming a true sporting hub for the region.”

As part of the programme, successful athletes will be provided with the following:

• Performance testing up to three times across the year – this will include detailed movement screening aimed around injury prevention
• Strength and conditioning – up to three weekly slots will be made available for individualised strength and conditioning provision. Individual programmes can be created where required by university staff or existing programmes from National Governing Bodies (NGBs) can be overseen and supervised
• Weekly rehabilitation clinics
• Nutrition workshops – Athletes will gain an insight into the importance of good nutrition and practical advice to ensure that they stay healthy and are able to train and compete to the level they require
• Media training – Athletes will receive a range of tailored training to develop their skillset in relation to the image they portray across various media platforms to ensure they remain on brand with the University, develop their athletic profile and relay important messages and updates to a wider audience
• Flexible learning options to balance study and sport
• University of Northampton training kit.

Find out more and apply on the Northampton Energy Elite Athlete Scholarship Programme webpage.