British Wheelchair Basketball DiSE
What is DiSE?
Young athletes can also apply to improve their skills on and off court with the DiSE programme whilst in full-time education, a two-year programme that earns you 64 UCAS points.
The Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) offers aspiring athletes the opportunity to develop their sporting capability, by training in an elite environment supported by British Wheelchair Basketball (BWB), whilst continuing in full time education.
DiSE has been designed to meet the needs of young people who have the realistic potential to achieve excellence in their chosen sport and are aiming to perform at the highest level. In addition, it enables National Governing Bodies to measure the young athletes’ ability to apply themselves to professional development in the technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of Sport.
The NVQ will develop the learners understanding of sports performance which will be particularly beneficial to individuals pursuing careers in Sports Science & Coaching but more importantly, it will directly address other areas such as lifestyle management, communication, wider career management and health and safety which can be applied to a wide range of careers.
It is not a qualification for simply “playing the game”, DiSE fully reflects the range of skills, knowledge and performance criteria required in elite sport:
- Technical Skills
- Tactical Awareness
- Physical Capabilities and
- Psychological Skills
- Lifestyle Organisation
- Career Planning
- Communication and Working with Others
- Health & Safety
- Nutrition Programming
These areas contribute towards achievement of the two mandatory certificates of the DISE framework (a) Certificate in Understanding Sport, (b) Certificate in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance
Who can apply?
| Criteria | Essential / Desirable |
|
16 – 18 years old in qualifying period |
Essential |
|
Studying A-Levels or a BTEC Level 3 qualification |
Essential |
|
Hold a British passport |
Essential |
|
Living in England (during term-time) |
Essential |
|
Member of an affiliated BWB club |
Essential |
|
Represented at junior championships / participate in the England talent pathway |
Desirable |
|
Achieved grades of A – C in G.C.S.E. Maths and English Language |
Desirable |
How will the programme be delivered?
The DiSE programme is designed to be flexible in order to ensure that BWB can recruit and support the very best potential athletes regardless of geographical location. The programme will have a semi-centralised model, with athletes studying locally in a school or college of their choice, whilst attending a series of centralised camps and online sessions to undertake the DiSE qualification under BWB guidance.
| Local Study | Centralised Camps / Virtual sessions |
| Study A-Levels or BTEC Level 3 Qualification
2 club session per week BWB National / Junior League Individual Study / learning
|
2 camps per year
3 x England Player Pathway days including:
|
What will I be able to do as a result of the course?
When you complete the DiSE programme, you will have a greater understanding of how to conduct yourself as a professional athlete, including managing your career, lifestyle and mental attitude.
You should be in a position to consider the following options:
- University undergraduate programme, e.g. BSc Sport & Exercise Science / Sports Management
- Opportunities within Wheelchair Basketball coaching & development
- Professional Contracts in Wheelchair Basketball
- Progression into Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Squads
- Progression towards alternative career opportunities e.g. Sport & Leisure Sector
Does it count towards University (UCAS Points)?
The tariff allocation for the Level 3 Diploma in Sporting Excellence is 64 points.
Is there a cost?
The educational costs linked to all the centralised camps will be covered by the Skills Funding Agency, including accommodation, food, training sessions and educational workshops. The cost to you, will be your travel to and from the centralised camps as well as your time invested into studying & participating within the programme.
How do you apply for the DiSE Programme?
All applicants will need to fill in the online application form by before being invited to attend a short interview. The programme virtual induction event will then take place in September to start the process of completing the necessary paperwork and learning further about the DISE programme.
Athletes that meet the following criteria will be prioritised:
- Age
- Studying in England (Welsh students can apply and be considered, however strict criteria around this applies)
- Registered Member of BWB for the current or upcoming Season (Recreational Membership not recognised)
- Position within the Performance pathway (GB Academy or Squad, Regional or Home Nation Pathway, Regional Team Selection, Club team)
If you have any further questions or would like an informal conversation, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected].
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