STUDENT BENEFITS FROM TASS SCHOLARSHIP
University of Wolverhampton student Connor Rides is benefiting from an Elite Sports Scholarship to help him with his passion for archery while he studies for his degree; the same programme helped GBR Olympic team member James Woodgate boost his career in 2019.
Rides, 21, from Kingswinford in the West Midlands, is in his third year of studying for a Physical Education degree at the University’s Institute of Sport, based at Walsall Campus. The University’s WLV Sport Scholarship Scheme is linked to sports recognised within the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) framework. Qualifying scholars can receive up to £4,500 over three years as well as free gym membership, access to physiotherapy, money towards travel costs and equipment, and access to mentors and coaches.
Connor has been involved in archery since he was 10 years old. He finished second in the Central Region and fourth across the UK in the BUCS Indoor Qualifiers in Manchester, then achieved third place and a bronze medal in the BUCS Indoor Championship in March. He was nominated for the Outstanding Achievement of the Year award by the sports department.
Connor said: “The University has offered me so much support to help me continue with my competitive performance in archery while I’ve been studying and the Elite Sports Scholarship has made a massive contribution to my achievements. I had planned this year to attend the Archery GB National series, but I’ve found alternative methods of training to prepare myself for the upcoming World University Games, which is usually held in Chengdu, China. My aim is to represent Great Britain at an international level.
The TASS Dual Career Accreditation Scheme recognises an education institution’s commitment to dual career support for talented athletes who are in full-time education. You can find out more about the scholarship at: wlv.ac.uk/university-life/wlvsport/sport-scholarship