We now have a number of exciting opportunities available for talented and committed young athletes through the Level 3 Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) qualification.
DiSE offers aspiring cyclists aged 16-18 the chance to pursue a dual career that offers opportunities to train with highly qualified British Cycling coaches whilst also undertaking a full-time study programme to support wider career aspirations.
DiSE is a level 3 qualification worth 64 UCAS points that you complete over two years alongside your main study programme at school or college. British Cycling has been awarded 50 places, available nationally, so it is highly competitive for elite level or potentially elite level cyclists.
British Cycling's Head of Talent Development Pathways, Joe Malik, said:
"Being in receipt of DiSE places creates a new and exciting opportunity for us to expand our support offer. As the development pathway evolves it is key for us to ensure we are attracting and enabling the most talented athletes in the UK to British Cycling."
How the programme works
DiSE is funded by Sport England as a dual career pathway for athletes who have been recognised and nominated by British Cycling as having high potential for excellence.
The programme is delivered over two years, with cyclists able to choose their further education studies, such as A levels, T-Levels, BTEC or other vocational qualifications. Athletes must be in full-time education for the duration of the DiSE programme.
The DiSE programme is a new and important component of British Cycling’s English Talent & Performance Pathway. Through it, British Cycling hopes to provide talented young cyclists with the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
What topics does DiSE cover?
Over the two-year programme athletes will complete focused sessions around technical, tactical and physical improvement, and further their understanding in terms of:
- Injury prevention
- Psychological skills
- Nutrition
- Lifestyle
- Career planning
- Financial planning
- Communication and media
- Anti-Doping (100%ME)
- Health and safety
- Culture, values and behaviours
Athletes will also have an opportunity to access additional CPD courses to further their knowledge in cycling.
Who is eligible?
DiSE is designed for the following categories of athlete:
- Aged 16-18.
- Member of a British Cycling affiliated club.
- Athletes who are, or show the potential to ride at an elite level
- Athletes that are part of or have been part of British Cycling’s Talent Pathway, or posted consistent results at national level in their chosen discipline.
- Athletes must be in full-time, ESFA funded education for the duration of the DiSE programme.
Where can I study for DiSE?
Athletes can study at four existing College Cycling Academies, which are:
- Oaklands Wolves Cycling Academy, St Albans
- SGS Cycling Academy, South Gloucestershire & Stroud College (Distance Learning Option Available)
- Manchester Cycling Academy
- Derby College Cycling Academy
Distance Learning Option
The Level 3 Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) qualification is now available for study alongside your existing school or college programme through remote online delivery from SGS College.
This means you can pursue your passion for cycling and take advantage of this exciting opportunity without compromising your current education commitments. The flexibility of remote online delivery allows you to access the DiSE programme from anywhere, providing a convenient and accessible pathway to develop your cycling performance while continuing your academic studies.
In order to express an interest in this route, please select 'ROADSTARZ - SGS remote support & assessment' on the application form.
Read more: College Cycling Academies
Application process
We are currently accepting applications/ expressions of interest for a DiSE place for Autumn 2023. Please complete the form and we will be in touch shortly now that we have our 50 DiSE places confirmed by Sport England.
