Elite Sport

Elite Athlete Development Programme

The University supports a number of international-class athletes both at full international and age-grade level.

As part of Abertay Sports goals to develop sport at all levels from international to beginners, the University has chosen to support these athletes in their quest to reach the top level of international sport.

Abertay Sport and the University as a whole are immensely proud of having helped a number of students reach their sporting goals and represent their country.

Elite Athletes Development Programme

Introduction

The University of Abertay contains international-class athletes (senior and junior) in a range of sports. As part of its policy to develop sport at all levels, the University has chosen to support these athletes in their quest for international success through the establishment of the Elite Athletes Development Programme (EADP).

What support will athletes receive by being on the EADP?

Athletes selected onto the programme gain access to the following:

• A programme of support services including sports nutrition, sports psychology, lifestyle management and sport science
• A tailored strength and conditioning programme specific to your sport
• Supervised strength and conditioning sessions at the university gym.
• Funding for costs related to travel, training and competition.
• Physiotherapy sessions
• A gym membership
• Branded clothing
• Promotional opportunities
• Mentoring

What does Abertay expect from the athletes?

Athletes selected onto the EADP are expected to uphold the following:

• Contribute to the University’s sporting programme
• Participate fully in the programme of support services
• Attend any scheduled meetings or seminars throughout the year
• Participate in quarterly meetings with the SDO
• Make satisfactory overall progress (both academically and athletically) over the year of support

Following selection, athletes will be asked to sign a contract agreeing to uphold these expectations.

Criteria and how to apply

Criteria for selection will be based on the following:

• Level of representation; you will be competing at a junior international level or above (or equivalent) in your sport
• The current level of performance e.g. placings, personal bests, times, distances
• Evidence of progression
• External references i.e. from your coach, manager, NGB

If you'd like to apply for the Elite Athletes Development Programme please contact sport@abertay.ac.uk.

Further information

Michael Devlin
Sports Development Officer
University of Abertay Dundee

The Sports Office, Graham Building
Bell Street
Dundee, DD1 1HG
01382 308954
sport@abertay.ac.uk

"‌‎‌Studying full-time is an onerous task at the best of times. Studying full-time whilst aspiring to become an international class athlete in sport requires dedication and self-discipline of the highest level. The University of Abertay Dundee Elite Athletes Development Programme allows students to perform at international level by providing them with the skills and expertise necessary to successfully incorporate a heavy load of training and competition whilst undertaking their academic programme. The success of the programme speaks volumes of the commitment shown by the University to supporting elite sport. Year after year Abertay athletes continually perform on the international scene whilst maintaining their academic programme - such dedication deserves our support!"

Liz McColgan (2003)
Athletics World Champion & World Record Holder

Elite Athletes

Athletes supported on the Elite Athlete Programme during the 2018-19 academic year:

• Cameron Golden (Hockey)
• Gemma Lumsdain (Wheelchair Rugby)
• Katie Stott (Hockey)
• James Penny (Cycling)
• Rebecca Norval (Equestrial Vaulting)
• Aiden Mcquade (Hockey)
• Beth Milne (Ice Hockey)
• Liam Harrison (Handball)
• Emilia Kristiansson (Rugby)

2^nd tier Development Programme

• James Isaacs (Ice Hockey)
• David Pokorny (Ice Hockey)
• Niamh Guest (Athletics)
• Bethany Craigie (Trampolining)
• James Adam (Athletics)

Club Performance Programme

Supplementary to the Elite Athlete Development Programme, Abertay delivers a Club Performance Programme designed to support those student sports clubs which are operating at the higher end of University sport within Scotland and the UK. The support offered to these clubs includes:

• Sports science testing and support
• Sports Psychology
• Nutrition
• Strength and conditioning
• Coaching
• Increased funding

Clubs are invited to apply to the programme in April for the following academic year. The application process invites clubs to describe how to programme will benefit them and where they might also be supported on a more sport-specific basis.

For further information on the sports that are on the programme, or the programme itself, please contact the Sports Office.