Applications for Aquatic Diploma in Sporting Excellence in diving now open

Applications have opened for a unique sporting qualification for emerging divers to combine competition and training with their studies.

The aquatics Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme is now accepting applications for the two-year programme which is funded by the Department of Education and delivered by Swim England in collaboration with Loughborough College.

It is designed to run alongside the athletes chosen further education be it A-Levels, BTEC or a non-sports apprenticeship as well as their clubs training programme.

Athletes born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 can now apply for this year’s scheme which will run from September 2024 to July 2026 to support their development and help them to achieve excellence within the sport. For the full eligibility, performance criteria and application form click the button below.

The programme 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 an experienced Swim England DiSE assessor who will be on hand to support them every step of the way.

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

‘Beneficial for both diving and personal life’

A number of Great Britain’s top athletes have come through the programme including Tom Daley, Noah Williams, Yasmin Harper and Scarlett Mew Jensen who were amongst the first eight divers to be selected for Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Also previously on the programme was 2022 Commonwealth Games medallist Emily Martin who has shared experiences of being a part of the scheme.

She said:  “My DISE experience was extremely beneficial for both my diving career and personal outlook on life.

“It gave me the opportunity to expand my knowledge on psychology, nutrition and technical aspects of the sport as well as learning about other aquatics sports.

“All the assessors were very helpful and supportive but also pushed me to achieve as much as I could.

“If I ever needed help, they were always there or on the other end of a zoom to assist me. I would definitely recommend the DISE programme.”

Paula West, DiSE assessor manager, said: “The DiSE programme is very unique in that it provides an opportunity to gain qualifications alongside athlete development and training.

“The programme equips them with knowledge and expertise that will allow divers to be more efficient with their training and help them build towards a career in either the elite environment and give them skills which they can take with them into a post athletic career.

“We look forward to receiving applications and to helping more young people on their journey both in and out of the pool.”

Applications to the DiSE programme are also open for artistic swimming, swimming and water polo.

To find out more about DiSE and apply, click here or email [email protected]