Talented table tennis players aged 16 to 18 can now apply for the Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme for 2024/25.

The government-funded scheme combines performance training opportunities with education. Players who successfully complete the two-year programme will receive 64 UCAS points that they use towards entry into university.

Applications to join the 2024/25 cohort are now open. The deadline to apply is 9am on Friday August 2nd.

Natalie Green, DiSE Lead, said: “The Diploma in Sporting Excellence Is a fantastic programme which enables athletes to combine a variety of physical and theoretical learning, supporting them towards taking their game to the next level.

“It allows players to gain extra hours on the table via training camps, alongside gaining a recognised BTEC Pearson Level 3 qualification which goes towards UCAS points for university entry.

“The delivery programme set out by Table Tennis England allows for players to gain vital knowledge in crucial areas that will support them as they progress through the TTE Pathway, and longer term into their chosen career”.

Hannah Silcock, current DiSE Learner, said of the programme: “The Diploma for Sporting Excellence has been an excellent opportunity to mix the theoretical ideas of the key elements of performance sport such as nutrition, programme planning and lifestyle and then being able to put the learning into practice with structured workshop learning.

“I’ve really enjoyed year one of the DiSE programme as it has allowed me to train and improve my table tennis while also teaching me ways to improve my sporting lifestyle off the table. I would recommend it to any aspiring performance table tennis players.”

For more information, to download an information pack and make an application, visit the DiSE homepage.