TASS names new Management Group members

Ben Robinson & Sam Jamieson join the TMG

Sam Jamieson and Ben Robinson are looking forward to having the chance to ‘give back to sport’ as they join the TASS Management Group (TMG).

Chaired by Alison Odell CBE, the TMG is a formal sub-committee of the charity, SportsAid’s Board of Trustees and is responsible for steering the strategic direction of the Sport England-funded support scheme.

Jamieson, who is Core Market Officer at Volleyball England, has a wealth of experience in strategy and operations within the sport sector having worked for Governing Bodies for nine years and being heavily involved in elite level rugby union as a volunteer.

And as a former TASS recipient while studying at Leeds Beckett University, Jamieson has practical experience of how the dual career support programme can improve opportunities for the next generation of sports people.

“I was fortunate to benefit from TASS support during my rugby union career, so I understand first-hand how much of a difference TASS can make for developing athletes,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Robinson will contribute expertise in further education from his role as Director of Student Guidance and Support at Hartlepool Sixth Form College.

“As strategic lead for the sports academy programme, I’m passionate about high level performers being able to pursue education whilst also continuing their sporting commitments in a dual career pathway,” he said.

“My role involves developing a careful and systematic process to ensure that young athletes flourish academically, whilst also providing them with the support needed to pursue their sporting ambitions.

“Having the opportunity to influence the ongoing success of dual career programmes in the future is something I am very much looking forward to.”

The duo will join the TMG’s eight existing members as representatives from their respective sectors and both new members highlight the need for sport and education to work hand in hand.

According to Robinson, “careers in professional or performance sport are relatively short and can be subject to many extenuating factors that have an impact on the athlete and their ability to continue to perform.

“Therefore it’s vitally important that these young people are supported through their education in a ‘dual career’ culture so that they achieve their academic potential and maximise their future career opportunities.”

“As aspirational young people, athletes will naturally want to do the best that they can in their sporting and academic careers and this can lead to tremendous pressures,” Jamieson added.

“The TASS programme is vital to ensuring we support these young people in all areas of their development and keep well-being as the primary focus.”

Both members admit they are looking forward to utilising their passion for an involvement in performance sport to further the impact of the TASS programme.

“Sport is a fundamental part of my life and is something I am increasingly grateful for,” said Jamieson. “I believe that sport makes people better people and that with the right support and direction, sport can change a person’s outlook and opportunity.”

The pair’s appointment provides new impetus to TASS and its mission to help talented young people from across England to fulfil their potential both on and off the field.