TASS Support Helping GBWR Athletes Thrive On and Off the Court
The Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) continues to play a vital role in supporting athletes across the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby talent pathway, providing access to specialist services that help athletes balance the demands of sport, education, employment and everyday life.
With 11 athletes currently receiving TASS support, the programme is making a significant contribution to athlete development by providing access to strength and conditioning, nutrition, sports psychology, physiotherapy and lifestyle support. These services help athletes perform at their best while developing the skills and knowledge needed to progress towards the international game.
Supporting Athletes Year-Round
For GB Wheelchair Rugby Performance Pathway Manager Stuart McLindon, one of the biggest strengths of the programme is the consistent support available between camps and competitions.
“As we only come together once a month, the regular contact athletes have with TASS practitioners between camps and competitions is incredibly valuable. It gives them ongoing support and someone they can turn to for advice, helping them stay on track throughout the year rather than just during Pathway activity.
Having local support available has made a real difference when athletes have been dealing with injury. Being able to work closely with practitioners near home has provided reassurance for both the athlete and coaching staff, helping ensure they return to training and competition safely.Bridging the physical gap between the talent pathway and the international game is never easy, but the support provided by TASS strength and conditioning coaches has been a huge help. Through regular coaching and tailored programmes, we’ve seen athletes become stronger, more physically prepared and better able to cope with the demands of wheelchair rugby. As a result, many athletes are arriving at camps in a better place physically, helping to narrow the gap and accelerate their development.
We have built a really positive relationship with TASS over the years and know that any feedback, concerns or challenges we raise will be listened to. We’ve seen a real growth in their understanding of para sport, along with a genuine desire from practitioners to learn more about wheelchair rugby and the specific needs of our athletes. Their openness to feedback and willingness to adapt has helped ensure the support they provide continues to meet the needs of athletes as they progress through the GBWR pathway.”
A Valued Partnership
The relationship between GB Wheelchair Rugby and TASS has developed over many years, with both organisations sharing the goal of helping athletes reach their potential.
Grace Harrison-Iley, TASS Strategic Lead for Sport, said:
“British Wheelchair Rugby is a highly valued TASS partner. The relationship between TASS and GBWR is built on openness, trust, and a shared ambition to provide the best possible support for athletes.
Through strong collaboration with our network of TASS Delivery Sites, wheelchair rugby athletes across the country can access high-quality performance services within their local environment. We look forward to continuing our work with Stuart and the wider British Wheelchair Rugby team, deepening our understanding of the sport, and ensuring our practitioners can meet the unique needs of athletes as they progress through the GBWR pathway.”
Athlete Experiences
Hayley, Sheffield Hallam University
“They always go above and beyond to meet my needs and nothing is too much trouble.”
Ryan, St Mary’s University
“Sam, my physio, has been great, really open minded, learnt how my body works and is always super flexible. Having access to weekly treatment has got me through some heavy competition blocks and kept me on the court.”
Josh, University of Bath
“The support I’ve received through TASS has been a huge benefit to my development as an athlete. Having access to one-to-one parasport strength and conditioning sessions at Bath University has helped improve my performance alongside fortnightly soft tissue therapy supporting recovery.
Fortunately I’ve not needed it too often, but physiotherapy has supported injury when needed in a timely manner. I’ve also gained valuable lifestyle and nutritional advice, giving me a better understanding of how to manage everyday life around being an athlete and fuel my body for training and competition.”
Millie, University of East Anglia
“TASS is the crucial regular home support we all need. As someone who lives far from her team and training, TASS has proved invaluable. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for TASS, especially Adam, my TASS strength and conditioning coach.”
Luke, University of Gloucestershire
“TASS has been a massive support to me throughout my time on the GB talent pathway. Having access to high-quality physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, nutrition and psychology has helped me develop both physically and mentally as an athlete.
The support I’ve received has helped me deal with challenges, continue improving and keep progressing towards my goals.”
Phoebe, Oxford Brookes University
“Not long after I started receiving support through TASS, I sustained a severe concussion whilst training at club level, which left me unable to play for four months.
The support I received from my TASS physio, Neal, was exceptional and I believe the treatment plan he put in place minimised the length of time I was unable to play. His knowledge of concussion and gradual return-to-play programme was fantastic, and he was always willing to communicate with my coaches to ensure we were all on the same page.
I have also received sport psychology support, which has equipped me with techniques to help improve my performance. Alongside nutritional advice, strength and conditioning, and personal development support, TASS has helped me make changes that move me closer to becoming the best wheelchair rugby athlete I can be.
Knowing that TASS support is there is incredibly reassuring, and their knowledge and expertise have been crucial in helping me progress on my journey.”
Building the Future of British Wheelchair Rugby
As athletes continue their journey from the talent pathway towards international competition, the support provided through TASS remains an important part of their development.
By providing access to expert practitioners within local environments, TASS helps athletes stay healthy, develop physically and mentally, and prepare for the demands of high-performance wheelchair rugby. Together, GB Wheelchair Rugby and TASS are helping create an environment where athletes can thrive both on and off the court.
