The new DiSE cohort joined their first training camp as their two-year programme got under way.

There are currently nine players already on the programme who have transitioned into Year 2, and they have been joined by a further 10 players who started their journey at last month’s camp, led by DiSE lead Natalie Green, with support coach Olly Tyndall.

The camp focused on the technical, tactical, physical, and psychological aspects of performance, and provided a foundation for the learners to integrate into the programme.

Further workshops will cover areas such as nutrition, strength and conditioning, career development and lifestyle management. These will be delivered through an extensive programme, including training camps and online sessions throughout the season.

DiSE is a two-year programme that offers current and aspiring performance players aged 16-18, who are in full-time further education, the opportunity to access the Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE). The programme is delivered in partnership with Table Tennis England and managed by SGS College, Bristol.

This government-funded scheme is designed to directly assess a player’s ability to plan, apply, and evaluate their development in a performance context.

Players who successfully complete the two-year programme will receive 64 UCAS points, which they can use towards university entry.

There was a great response from players wanting to join the programme this year, with more applications than there were available spaces. As a result, some players are on a reserve list while we await confirmation of any additional spaces through DiSE and Sports Aid.

The DiSE players are:

Cohort 1 (2024-2026): Jakub Piwowar, Zac Greenhough, Wajid Wafiq, Louis Cheung Turner, Charlie Williams, William Short, Harley Sinclair, Lowri Hurd, Jonabel Taguibo, Lianna Shilana Tousi

Cohort 2 (2023-2025): Joseph Dennison, Fred Jones, Ben McKay, Hannah Silcock, Rachel Iles, Anna Piercey, Bethany Ellis, Connie Dumelow, Mabel Shute