University Rugby League Scholarship Opportunities

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University Rugby League Scholarship Opportunities for college students This document has been produced to help college Rugby League participants understand the opportunities available for them to combine their future academic study and interest in Rugby League at a Rugby League-playing University. This resource details the specific scholarship opportunities available within a number of institutes. Please note, if the University you are applying to study at is not included on this list then this doesn’t necessarily mean a scholarship isn’t available. Please contact your Higher Education Manager at the RFL James Szymik [email protected] who will assist you in understanding what opportunities are available to you. A full list of Rugby League-playing universities can be found on page 10 of this document.

University of Bath The University of Bath offers sport scholarships to student athletes who display potential for success both academically and athletically. There were 34 new and continuing awards made for the 2013-2014 academic year. Successful applicants typically meet the following requirements;    

Athletes who have accepted a place at the University of Bath. Athletes must provide evidence showing potential for elite international performance as well as the ability to contribute to British University Colleges and Sport (BUCS) points. Continuation of the scholarship each year is dependent on the recipient making satisfactory academic and sporting progress as reviewed by the panel. Applicants must apply with a statement referenced by their own coach and/or a Team Bath Coach in their respective sport.

Currently, other ‘Athlete Benefits’ can be received as an athlete or student-athlete training at the University of Bath. These include;   

A Team Bath Support Programme also called “on the podium” offers support resources to priority sports BUCS 1st team athletes and developing elite athletes. A Team Bath Support Services grant affords athletes training at the university access to science and medicine support services to the value of £1200 per annum. The Elite Athlete Fund offers financial assistance to University of Bath students to compete at an international university competition.

For more info please contact: Lynne Algar – [email protected] http://www.teambath.com/t-d/teambath-athletes-benefits/

University of Birmingham Since its inception in 1994, the University of Birmingham Sport Scholarship scheme has been pivotal in developing hundreds of talented student athletes to realise and reach their performance potential. Their philosophy focuses not only on the development of talent but also the skill set needed to progress and maintain peak performance at professional level. From an interdisciplinary approach, the scholars are supported from every angle of sport science, sports medicine and athlete education. The scholarship programme emphasises individual needs and provides a dynamic, unique and individualised support package to each athlete. They have an array of awards available which College Rugby League participants are welcome to apply for, these offer support packages ranging from £6,000 (of services) down

to a £1,000 Sports Performance Award, per year, available for all successful applicants. See their website for a full breakdown of packages and details on how to apply. For more info please contact: Luke Gunn – [email protected] http://www.sport.bham.ac.uk/page.aspx?sitesectionid=246&sitesectiontitle=Scholarships++University+of+Birmingham+Sport

University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) are offering scholarships of £4,000 for successful applicants. UCLAN Rangers Rugby League Club has been chosen as a Performance Sport at the University with financial support being committed to ensure the team reaches the BUCS National Premier North Division, the pinnacle of Student Rugby League, within the next three years. The team trains twice a week and competes on Wednesday afternoons in the BUCS league. Leading the team will be Andy Procter - a UKCC endorsed level 4 coach who has had coaching and playing experience at professional level and is currently a Coach Educator for the RFL. Their £12million sports complex has a state-of-the-art strength and conditioning suite, 400m running track, grass and Astroturf pitches. The team also receives strength and conditioning programmes, nutritional and lifestyle advice, physiotherapy support and performance analysis to ensure all players are assessed, monitored and developed according to their specific needs. The team has a close knit group of students who organise excellent social events each week including a foreign tour at the end of the year. Many of the players have representative honours with North West regional and international teams, so those opportunities will be open to successful candidates. For more info please contact: Andy Proctor - [email protected] http://www.uclan.ac.uk/study_here/fees_and_finance/bursaries_scholarships.php

Coventry University As one of our Team Phoenix focus sports, Rugby League receives substantial support and funding at Coventry University. Each year a select number of our talented Rugby League players also benefit from our first class sports scholarship scheme. Coventry University Rugby League currently participate in the Midlands Premier Division of Student Rugby League and have aspirations to compete at the highest level. Our close links with Coventry Bears Rugby League Club ensures that the University team benefit from their coaching

expertise. This partnership also provides a direct pathway for our talented players to compete at higher levels of Rugby League which we hope our scholars are able to achieve during their time studying here. Coventry University Sports Scholarship scheme offers a support network enabling the scholar to balance the demands of performance sport and academic study, helping them to achieve the highest level of success in both areas. The scheme provides both financial support and a diverse range of support services including pre-season screening, physiotherapy, sports psychology, sports nutrition, strength and conditioning, performance analysis, mentoring, performance workshops and flexible study. There are two levels of scholarship available depending on the level of representation and performance of the athlete. £1500

(£750 bursary and £750 towards support services)

£3000

(£1500 bursary and £1500 towards support services)

For more info please contact: Tom Shakespeare - [email protected] http://www.coventry.ac.uk/study-at-coventry/course-search/

Unversity of Derby Team Derby understands that it can be difficult to combine academic studies and sporting ambitions. Therefore they aim to provide scholarship and bursary opportunities to assist talented individuals realise their sporting potential and support them through their academic studies.

TEAM DERBY SCHOLARSHIPS Their scholarship award aims to support talented athletes through their academic studies and provides a package of services to support their elite player development. Team Derby would consider applications from talented athletes who compete at an international level. Scholarship benefits include: financial support towards academic course fees, free membership of the Team Derby Fitness gym, Team Derby t-shirt, educational workshops in nutrition and psychology, performance monitoring, strength and conditioning support (Nick Ward current S & C coach with Sheffield Eagles), physiotherapy support.

TEAM DERBY BURSARY A Team Derby Bursary award provides financial support, access to psychology and nutrition workshops, physiotherapy and strength and conditioning support. The award is offered to talented national level athletes including age group players that are committed to make the next steps in the game. For more info please contact: Donna Kellogg – [email protected] www.teamderby.com

University of Gloucestershire At the University of Gloucestershire we aim to help elite and aspiring athletes to reach their full potential and continue our proud record of sporting excellence. The University Scholarship Scheme aims to attract talented student athletes to study at the university and offers support to balance university life with achieving their sporting potential. The excellent sports’ facilities at the university, combined with support from a spectrum of disciplines within sport and higher education, makes it a great choice for elite athletes and sports performers who want to compete in sport whilst furthering their education. The university has strong links with the Students’ Union to provide all students with a wide range of facilities and activities from health and fitness to recreational (UNIversal Sport) and competitive sport in the BUCS program. The comprehensive support package for high performance athletes includes:        

Substantial fee waivers Regular fitness and performance assessments Access to the brand new Strength and Conditioning Suite Strength and Conditioning assessment, programming and coaching Sports Therapy and nutrition support Academic support from a specialist tutor to ensure flexibility and to ensure appropriate academic progress University of Gloucestershire All Golds tracksuit University parking permit

For more information please contact: Lorea Sarobe - [email protected] www.glos.ac.uk/LIVING/SPORT/Pages/AthleteScholarships.aspx

University of LEEDS We provide a comprehensive package of support, tailored to the needs of individual athletes. For the 2014/15 academic year we are pleased to offer two levels of sports scholarships: Elite Sports Scholarship Within this tailored package, the University of Leeds is proud to provide:        

A bespoke financial offer Complimentary premium membership at The Edge, our state-of-the-art on-site sports facility Additional strength and conditioning support from a dedicated team Additional physiotherapy support Access to sports massage An academic liaison officer Personal development support including leadership skills, CV writing, networking events and interview preparation Complementary sports leisure wear

Performance Sports Scholarship This year we are also pleased to offer a second tier of sports scholarships, which are supported and financed by the individual sports clubs. These scholarships recognise high performing athletes that have competed to a high standard, and those who have the potential to contribute to their club through outstanding performance. Within this performance tier, the University of Leeds is proud to provide:     

Complimentary club membership Complimentary club kit Complimentary sports pass providing access to the University of Leeds’ sports facilities Additional strength and conditioning support from a dedicated team Additional physiotherapy support

For more info please contact: David Bond – [email protected] http://sport.leeds.ac.uk/page.asp?section=510§ionTitle=Sports+Scholarship+Programm e

Leeds Metropolitan University The Sports Scholarship Scheme was introduced in 2002. The aim of the scheme is to give scholarship holders the opportunity to develop their sporting performance alongside the pursuit of their academic studies. The scheme offers technical, pastoral and financial support. They are looking for students who already compete at a high level and have the desire and dedication to improve towards Senior World Class Performance Levels (or equivalent) in their sport. The University is very proud of its sporting history and current high standing in the BUCS rankings which they want to maintain; therefore Sports Scholars are expected to compete for the University in their sport in BUCS events wherever possible. Junior or Senior international standard athletes from sports recognised by Sport England (able bodied and Paralympic) are encouraged to apply, as are athletes competing at elite club level. Sports Scholars can apply for any of their undergraduate and postgraduate courses, but they must fulfil the entry requirement. For more info please contact: Mick Hill (Undergraduate) Nick Gore (Post Graduate) [email protected]; [email protected] http://www.leedsmet.ac.uk/sport/sports-scholarships.htm

University of Leicester They offer 16 scholarships in total (six gold and 10 silver). Gold scholarships receive £500, free gold membership to the sports and gym facilities (£200 value), 10 sessions of sports massage, physiotherapy or osteopathy (value £250), mentoring support, physiological assessments, nutritional advice and access to a coaching educational program. Silver scholarships receive free gold membership to the sports and gym facilities (£200 value), six sessions of sports massage, physiotherapy or osteopathy (value £150) Mentoring support, physiological assessments, nutritional advice and access to a coaching educational programme. These scholarships are open to any sports that compete in BUCS, and applications are open near to the start of the academic year. For more info please contact: Matt Weir – [email protected] http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/sports/scholarships

University of Liverpool The sports scholarship programme is designed to support the very best student athletes in any sporting discipline who are competing at a Junior, Under 21 or Senior International level (or equivalent). Successful applicants will normally be part of a National Governing Body (NGB) Performance Pathway. It provides the flexibility and assistance needed to combine undergraduate or postgraduate studies with training and competition commitments at the highest levels of sport. The scheme is open to home and international students. All scholarship athletes receive Premium membership to university sport and fitness facilities, supervised strength and conditioning sessions, Physiotherapy, Sports Psychology. Depending on the award offered some athletes may receive financial help towards sporting costs tailored made to the individual. To gain a scholarship you will need to demonstrate the ability and ambition to compete at international level and satisfy the academic entry requirements for your course (these are not reduced for sports scholars). For more info please contact: Hannah Vickers - [email protected] www.liv.ac.uk/sports

Manchester Metropolitan University MMU is investing heavily in sport across both its Manchester and Cheshire campuses. The Sport Scholarship Scheme is designed to assist talented athletes in their sporting activities and studies. This year the scheme is bigger and better. The scholarship offers a considerable financial contribution to athletes as well as:        

Free Physio support Free Strength & Conditioning Nutritional Support Free Gym Membership Free MMU Leisurewear Flexible Study Time Mentoring Support Links to varying professional clubs including Salford Red Devils.

Rugby League is a target sport at MMU and the University is dedicated to providing the top support needed to push the club into the National Premier Division. The team is going from

strength to strength. They have been promoted to Northern 1A, won SRL ‘Team of the Year’, had some excellent cup runs and are coached by a Wigan Warriors coach. MMU RL has various links within Manchester and is proud to be part of the game’s growth within the city. The scheme invites talented RL players to study for a top degree in a multitude of disciplines whilst gaining the necessary support to help them on and off the field. Manchester is a major student city with fantastic opportunities sporting and professionally, chosen by many for its vibrant social scene. For more info please contact: Chris Martin – [email protected] http://www.mmu.ac.uk/sport/scholarships.php

Nottingham Trent University Nottingham Trent University offers a high quality training and competition environment for Rugby League players to develop whilst studying to gain an academic degree. The NTU Rugby League team competes in BUCS Premier South, the highest level in University competition and is supported as one of the University’s performance teams. Rugby League players have access to a wide range of support services including Strength & Conditioning, pitch-side Physiotherapy and clinic access and additional coaching. Together with their Nottingham Outlaws partnership, this provides a near full-time schedule alongside a degree programme. The University’s sport scholarship programme helps talented student athletes NTU to balance their academic and sporting commitments. Depending on the level of performance, each award offers individuals a comprehensive support package worth between £1500 and £3500. This package includes access to; a financial bursary (£500-£2000), individualised strength & conditioning, physiotherapy support, academic flexibility, performance lifestyle advice, kit and workshops focusing on Anti-Doping, Sports Nutrition and Career Development. Further information, including details on how to apply, can be found on their website: www.ntu.ac.uk/sport/scholarships. Anyone interested in finding more out about the Rugby League programme should get in touch with the Elite Sport Development Officer, Alex Bailey. For more info please contact: Alex Bailey - [email protected] www.ntu.ac.uk/sport/scholarships

Northampton University At Northampton we are offering talented Rugby League players the opportunity to join our University club, currently competing in BUCS Premier (South). Benefits include:     

£1,000 per academic year cash bursary Free physiotherapy support Free weekly strength and conditioning training Free gym membership Free branded kit

We are linked with Championship 1 team Hemel Stags, and Troy Perkins, their first team coach also coaches our first team. A number of our players are associated with Hemel Stags and we believe our support package can help talented players make the next step in both their sporting and academic careers. For more information please contact: Roger Weston - [email protected] www.northamptonunion.com

Northumbria University We know how difficult it can be to combine sport and study, that’s why every year Team Northumbria offer generous sport scholarships to talented athletes studying at Northumbria University. Team Northumbria offer over 60 sport scholarships across BUCS sports ranging from packages of support tailored to develop student athletes, to full fee scholarships for those who have competed at professional level. Northumbria University are currently part of the British University and College Sport Premier League for Rugby League. This is made up of the best 12 Universities in the country; Rugby League is defiantly a priority for Team Northumbria. Team Northumbria offer 3 types of scholarships, which include access to support services tailored to the athletes needs, as well as additional funding that can be used towards tuition fees or the cost of living. Gold – Full fees up to £10,000 , Silver – up to £3,000 , Bronze – up to £1,500  

Performance Coaching Strength and Conditioning

     

Physiotherapy & deep tissue massage Performance Analysis via Dartfish TV Lifestyle Support Student Athlete Membership Worth £260 Athlete Education Programme (including nutrition, sports psychology, recovery techniques, injury prevention, media training and more). Sport Scholar Kit

For more information please contact: Heather Steel - [email protected] http://nusportcentral.com/team-northumbria/scholarships

University of Nottingham University of Nottingham Sport is at the forefront of blending academic excellence with international sporting success. With campuses in the UK, Malaysia and China, The University of Nottingham offers a unique blend of international all-round academic and social experiences. Nottingham operates the most extensive range of sports teams and facilities in UK Higher Education and has always been in the top ten of the British Universities Sports rankings, with two Rugby League sides operating in the British University Leagues and an intention to grow that as the number of performance players allows. The Sports Scholarship programme provides free facility access, an academic mentor, free physiotherapy, a tailored programme of Strength and Conditioning advice and access to Nutrition specialists as required, along with a variable and substantial range of cash awards. Awards are made annually and they number several Olympic and World Champions within our Scheme Alumni We support athletes in a very wide range of sports and encourage all of county standard and above to apply as the range of support reaches to a large number of athletes and also beyond just their scholars each year. For more info please contact: [email protected] www.nottingham.ac.uk

Oxford Brookes Oxford Brookes University offer up to £2,000 for any athlete that has achieved high standards in their sport. The scholarship money is given from Santander and is used to support the cost of participating in sport.

Student scholars must make every attempt to compete in the BUCS programme while at University, and must be willing to represent the University sports programme when necessary. The application process is detailed in the link above. For more info please contact: Alice Walton – [email protected] http://www.brookes.ac.uk/studying-at-brookes/finance/santander-sports-scholarships/

Rugby League Playing Universities Aberystwyth University Bangor University University of Bath University of Birmingham University of Bradford University of Bristol Brunel University University of Cambridge University of Central Lancashire University of Chester (Chester) Coventry University University of Cumbria University of Derby Durham University Edge Hill University Edinburgh Napier, University of Essex University of Exeter University of Glamorgan University of Gloucestershire University of Huddersfield University of Hull Imperial University Lancaster University University of Leeds Leeds Metropolitan University (Carnegie) Leeds Trinity University College

University of Leicester University of Liverpool University of Lincoln Liverpool John Moores University Loughborough University University of Manchester Manchester Metropolitan University Middlesex University MMU Cheshire Newcastle University University of Northampton Northumbria University University of Nottingham Nottingham Trent University Oxford University Oxford Brookes University Reading University University of Salford University of Sheffield Sheffield Hallam University St Mary's University College Swansea University Teesside University University of the West of England (UWE) University of Warwick York St John University