What is the High-Performance Programme?
The High-Performance Programme (HPP) is based on what is commonly known as a university scholarship program. It is designed to offer support to students who compete in sports at a high level in several ways, with the ultimate goal of improving their performance and sporting satisfaction. The main aim of this programme is to provide additional support while enhancing your performance goals during your time at university. It is important to note that this programme does not include any financial academic assistance.
Once an application has been received, a panel will decide whether it meets the programme's criteria and if the individual will make a valuable contribution to Salford SU's sporting aims. You can be either a full-time or part-time student, but you must be registered in a Salford University course for the 2024-25 academic year. However, if you are a part-time student, you may be offered a place in the programme on a pro-rata basis, depending on course dates. We welcome athletes from all sports, even those for which we do not have university clubs or teams competing in BUCS leagues.
Programmes within the programme
There are two programmes you can be placed in:
1. SU Support Package
This programme is designed for students who do not receive any external performance support and rely primarily on their own enthusiasm and dedication to improve.
2. Individual Support Package
This programme is for students who already have substantial external support, such as those involved in GB-level setups with existing restrictions. This package offers more flexibility, allowing the SU to provide support as needed.
What are the differences between the two programmes?
Both programmes provide the same support. However, if you are on the SU Support Programme, you will need to commit to mandatory requirements as detailed in the package benefits below. If all criteria are met, you can receive a financial bonus of up to £250 at the end of the year.
Packages:
1. SU Support Package
Benefits:
- Up to a £250 financial aid toward sporting/academic expenses
- All training and competition expenses covered
- Tailored performance timetable aligned with academic schedule
- Free leisure membership at our Sports Centre
- Free BUCs team membership
- Free Team Salford Apparel
- Unlimited 1-on-1 Strength and Conditioning/PT sessions
- 1-on-1 sports nutritional advice sessions
- 1-on-1 rehab support sessions
- 1-on-1 performance analysis sessions
- 1-on-1 physiotherapy sessions
- Three group sports psychology workshops throughout the academic year
- Performance lifestyle support sessions
- Academic flexibility and support facilitated
- Regular informal catch-up meetings for your High-Performance Manager
Criteria:
- Commit to all performance support networks provided. These will be scheduled alongside your academic timetable for weekly sessions. Attendance must be at least 80%.
- Enter all BUCS individual events within the academic year (unless agreed otherwise due to injury, etc.).
- Join and be part of a BUCS competition team if one exists in a BUCS league.
- Attend all High-Performance Programme open days and meetings.
- Be registered in a full-time or part-time course at Salford University for the 2024-25 academic year.
- Compete at a minimum of UK National level and be on a recognized player pathway belonging to a sporting national governing body.
- Provide a player profile detailing sporting career and achievements.
- Demonstrate commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
2. Individual Support Package
Benefits:
- All BUCS entry fees covered
- Free BUCS team membership
- Access to all performance support resources at Salford University when needed
- Performance lifestyle support sessions
- Occasional informal catch-up meetings with your High-Performance Manager
Criteria:
- Enter all BUCS individual events within the academic year (unless agreed otherwise due to injury, etc.).
- Join and be part of a BUCS competition team if one exists in a BUCS league.
- Attend all High-Performance Programme open days and meetings.
- Be a current TASS athlete or part of a national talent pathway.
- Provide a player profile detailing sporting career and achievements.
- Demonstrate commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
Selection Process and Key Dates
The above criteria serve as guidelines for student-athlete eligibility. The selection criteria may be adjusted based on the number of applications and the Student Union's sporting objectives.
Meeting the criteria does not guarantee a place in the programme. If the selection process is competitive, some applicants may not be accepted due to space limitations.
After applications are reviewed, applicants will receive emails informing them whether they have been shortlisted for an informal interview. Following the interviews, applicants will be notified if they have been accepted into one of the programmes.
1st Application Open and Deadline Window:
- Applications accepted – 1st January 2025
- Application deadline – 28th February 2025
- Informal interview – W/C. 7th April 2025
2nd Application Open and Deadline Window:
- Applications accepted – 1st May 2025
- Application deadline – 26th September 2025
- Informal interview – W/C. 6th October 2025