Applications open for Aquatic Diploma in Sporting Excellence

Applications have opened for the Aquatic Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) for swimmers and para-swimmers.

The industry-leading educational programme is delivered alongside Loughborough college to give athletes the opportunity to combine their studies with training and competition.

The two-year programme is delivered through Swim England workshops, camps, club visits and online one-to-one progress reviews.

Each athlete is allocated an experienced DiSE assessor and are also supported by professional coaches, specialist practitioners and talent staff.

The programme covers a variety of topics including career planning and finance, lifestyle, nutrition, health and safety, mental skills, anti-doping, behaviours and values, communications and media, sports injuries and technical, tactical and physical skills.

DiSE will run for two academic years from September 2023 to July 2025 and applications must be submitted by Friday 14 July.

Applicants for this year’s programme must be born between 1 September 2006 and 31 August 2007.

Athletes must also be enrolling on a full-time state-funded education programme and meet the specific performance criteria.

‘Supportive and helpful’

A number of the nation’s top athletes have taken part in the initiative including Adam Peaty, James Wilby and Jessica Jane-Applegate.

Lauren Cox, who represented Team England at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, also graduated the programme and she shared her experiences of being a part of the scheme.

She said: “The DiSE programme was really enjoyable, the workshops were fun, and everyone was really friendly.

“I found it especially interesting to learn about why we train and how important the aspects out of the pool are, like nutrition and the psychology of being an athlete.

“The tactical and technical workshops helped me gain a deeper understanding of my training and how I could actively improve my performance by taking ownership of my training programme and setting more personal and achievable goals.

“I found it really manageable with my A-levels, the workbooks were clear and easy to understand so I could fit them in around training and schoolwork. The DiSE Assessors were really supportive and helpful with any questions I had.”

Darren Sims, DiSE Assessor manager, believes the programme provides a platform for athletes to thrive.

He said: “DiSE is a unique programme which aims to enhance the athlete’s knowledge and skills in their sport whilst they gain a recognised qualification.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity which gives the athletes the perfect environment to thrive in their sport and prepare them for a post athletic career.”

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

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