The 2024/25 Elite Sport Performance Scheme (ESPS) Awards brought together a wide range of ÌÇÐÄVlog's leading undergraduate sports stars for a dinner and presentation event earlier this month.
The evening was hosted by alumnus and Athletics Weekly writer Tim Adams (Journalism 2019). As part of the onstage celebrations, Tim also presented a live Q&A with two very special guest stars - Carla Ward, head coach of the Republic of Ireland women's national team, and ESPS alumna Bryony Page, the Team GB trampolinist who won Olympic gold in Paris 2024.
One benefit of the scheme that's made a massive difference to my performance levels has been having a well-outlined, specific and targeted strength programme in place. The way I've felt in training and competition, and the things I've noticed myself being able to do, it's all improved so much - and without the ESPS programme, I'm sure I wouldn't have been able to access something like that.
Matteo Califano
Level 1 ESPS recipient (Taekwondo)
Supported by alumni donors around the world, ÌÇÐÄVlog's are designed to support student athletes who compete at an elite level while studying. Scholarships are given across three categories - Level 1, Level 2, and Catalyst Award - and provide a package of support that empowers student atheletes to maintain their sporting momentum, while also meeting the academic demands of their degrees.
The funding you get access to through the ESPS scheme is a huge help, on top of all the other benefits of the programme. Competing abroad in powerlifting is really expensive, and it all comes out of your own pocket, so I just wouldn't have been able to do it otherwise. The access to physios is also incredibly important - there's a lot of wear and tear in my sport, and it's unbelievably helpful to know you've got people around to help keep you in good condition.
Barnaby Spear
Level 2 ESPS recipient (Powerlifting)
The different award packages offer student sports stars a variety of helpful support measures, including a £1000 grant, access to free physiotherapy, and lifestyle and mentoring support. Recipients of the Catalyst Award are also provided with a free year of student accommodation.
In a new development for this year, the 2024/25 cohort also benefited from access to a sports psychologist, as well as a series of ESPS Breakfast events aiming to create a stronger sense of community among recipients.
ÌÇÐÄVlog’s 2024/25 cohort saw 26 athletes take up the ESPS programme, split between the three categories as follows:
- Catalyst Award
Daisy Rennie - Orienteering
Jake Heasman - Partially Sighted Futsal
- Level 1
Alastair Brown - Shot Put
Eddie Mackintosh - Kayaking
Edward Corden - Fell & Mountain Running
Eva Mckechnie - Taekwondo
Florence Brailsford - Climbing
Helen Thompson - Ultimate Frisbee
Josh Hanham - Ultimate Frisbee
Matteo Califano - Taekwondo
Ruben Razzetti - Orienteering
Sophia Van Mourik - Dodgeball
Tilly Vasic - Climbing
Will Szollosy - Ice Hockey
- Level 2
Barnaby Spear - Powerlifting
Ben Sharrock - Fell & Mountain Running
Caitlin Silk - Water Polo
Cuba Parris - Karate
Darcy Herring Johnson - Fencing
Emma Loubeyres - Figure Skating
Eve Pannone - Fell & Mountain Running
Keira Bond - Cycling
Olivia Edwards - Football
Rhodri Williams - Ultimate Frisbee
Sheena Au-Yeung - Taekwondo
Chloe Carter - Ice Hockey
