Talented athletes from a North East school have been selected to take part in a national sports scheme in partnership with Teesside University.
Pupils from Red House School in Norton, have been chosen to participate in the Talented Athlete Sponsorship Scheme (TASS), having been identified as showing potential in Olympic sports.
The Scheme, funded by Sport England, helps athletes in education to get the very best from their sporting and academic careers, without having to choose between the two.
Over the next year, 10 pupils from Years 8 to 11, who are eligible to represent England and perform at the top of the Sport England Talent Pathway, will attend six workshops at the University, focusing on lifestyle, practical nutrition, maintaining a healthy body, goal setting and mental preparation and athlete development, strengthening and conditioning.
Speaking about the Scheme, Joshua Scott, who plays for Hartlepool United Academy and has played for the ISA National Football Team, as well as participating in swimming, athletics and cross country, said: “I’m really grateful to have been chosen to receive this opportunity and the support which will come from being on the TASS.
“It can be daunting at times trying to manage my education while competing at a high level in football, so it’s great to know with the right support and advice, there’s the possibility I can be successful in both.”
Dr Jennifer Howse, leading the Scheme for Teesside University, added: “We’ve created a support structure for gifted athletes to help them pursue a dual career pathway and throughout this year, will continue to work with the school to monitor and evaluate progress.”
Recognised as one of the region’s highest performing independent schools, Red House is one of only three schools in the UK whose pupils have been chosen for the TASS.
Priding itself on providing pupils with an all-round education, sport plays an important role in life at Red House, with staff strongly believing it is highly beneficial to the physical and emotional well-being of all pupils.
‘We’re delighted the talent of our pupils has been recognised on a national level and believe they will benefit greatly from the additional support they will receive from being on the TASS,” said headmaster of the school, Ken James.
“As a school, we endeavour to do our upmost to help and encourage our pupils in all aspects of their education, so as to provide them with as many opportunities as possible for the future.”
Red House’s commitment to offering a first class, holistic education was highlighted last year with the investment of a multipurpose sports facility, which came following the well-received decision to remain on the current Norton site.
This state-of-the art facility, officially opened by international hockey player and former pupil, John Harris, will be on show later this month during the school’s open morning for prospective parents.
“Naturally we have incorporated a range of sporting activities into our open morning,” continued Ken.
“Parents and pupils will have the opportunity to take part in various activities including a sports skills challenge.”
To find out more about the open morning, taking place on Saturday 21st January at 10 am – 1 pm, please visit, http://www.redhouseschool.co.uk/admissions/visiting/open-morning/