SkillsActive has launched an interactive brochure aimed at young athletes who have the ambition to become elite and professional sports performers.

AASE ATHLETES

The brochure details the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE), which is funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). It provides information about the programme including testimonies from former AASE athletes, tips and support for applying to the scheme and it equips athletes with the vocational skills and academic qualifications needed to go on to college, university or out to work.

AASE is aimed at young athletes who have the realistic potential to achieve excellence in sport and are seeking to perform at the highest level as their main career goal.

Swimming is one of only six sports currently running the programme giving athletes the chance to pursue their dreams across all disciplines. The 142 athletes currently working through the programme have now completed their first unit, which included media training and an introduction to AASE.

Minister for Sport Richard Caborn MP praised the AASE programme.

'Being a professional sports person in the 21st century is about more than just athletic prowess and sporting skill,” he said. “Athletes also need to know how to manage themselves and their careers off the sporting field. That's why I am delighted that through the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence framework there is now a structure in place to support the professional development of our most hopeful young sporting prospects.

The brochure can be viewed online. CLICK HERE to view

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For more information on the AASE programme for the aquatic disciplines please contact Michelle Kiff on 01509 615456 or email michelle.kiff@swimming.org

The Amateur Swimming Association is the English National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Open Water, and Synchronised Swimming. It organises competition throughout England, establishes the Laws of the Sport and operates comprehensive certification and education programmes for Teachers, Coaches and Officials as well as its renowned Learn To Swim Awards scheme. The ASA supports 1,600 affiliated swimming clubs through a National/Regional/County structure. The ASA aims to ensure everybody has an opportunity to learn to swim.

The Kellogg’s ASA Awards Scheme is the most successful awards scheme in British sport and issues around two million awards every year to swimmers all around the world.

For more information about ASA Awards please see www.swimming.org