The University of Birmingham in the Hub institution for all TASS athletes based within the West Midlands area. All support for the Birmingham Hub’s athletes is co-ordinated within the University’s Hi Performance Centre.
Birmingham also has well established regional partner institutions, who provide some of the support services to athletes in their proximity. The collaboration with the partner sites increases the engagement of athletes in the programme by offering them more convenient places to gain access to these support services. The Birmingham partner sites include:
- Warwick University
- University of Worcester
- University of Wolverhampton, Walsall Campus
- Moulton College, Northampton (remote site)
At The University of Birmingham we have an established team who deliver support services to TASS athletes. The principle contacts and management team are:
- Jennifer Savage – Sport Scholarship Officer – 0121 4147645
- Mike Gosling – Lead Physiotherapist – 0121 4407736
- Darran Fowler – Head Strength & Conditioning Coach – 0121 4143651
The Birmingham Hub offers an integral support package of sport science, sport medicine and athlete education. The philosophy at Birmingham is not only to develop young athletes but to provide them with the knowledge and expertise to continually apply that knowledge throughout their sporting and academic career. Birmingham run a vast number of workshops on an array of topics on regular occasions throughout the year to educate and facilitate student-athletes on their transition towards senior competition and success. All strands of the team work collectively under one roof to design a coherent and thorough plan for each individual athlete, ensuring no leaf is left unturned in their development.
The TASS programme illustrates the integrated support which Birmingham provides to their athletes. With the Hi Performance Centre team working closely with the athletes and coaches they’re future potential is achieved. Alex Taylor, UBSport Performance Sport Manager
TASS Athletes have had access to the following workshops, all free at the Birmingham Hub:
Professionalism, Injury Prevention, The travelling athlete, Sports psychology relaxation, Sports imagery sessions, recovery and ice baths, interview techniques, plus many many more!
All Birmingham TASS athletes receive full benefits of the University Sports Scholarship, which includes free gym membership and access to the swimming pool and other facilities.
The University offered me great support throughout my four years of study, accommodating a year out of study to focus on hockey and play in the Commonwealth Games. Simon Mantell, TASS Alumni, Birmingham University, Current GB Hockey Player
For more information on how TASS operates at The University of Birmingham, please visit their website
