Applications are now open for talented table tennis players aged 16 to 18 to join the Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme from 2026/27.

A total of 18 new places are available for the two-year programme, which is a government-funded scheme combining performance training opportunities with education.

Players who successfully complete the programme will receive 64 UCAS points that they use towards entry into university.

The programme is made up of two main areas – training opportunities, including around 4-5 training camps each season and training and competition opportunities in the UK or abroad, and education, with players focusing on multiple elements of performance sport including nutrition, goal setting, programme planning, lifestyle and psychology.

Some of the current cohort, including senior England international Ella Pashley, are pictured above.

Applications to join the 2025-27 cohort, who begin the course next season, are now open. The deadline to apply is 9am on 10 July, 2026.

Applications will be shortlisted and the selection made during July, with confirmation of selection or otherwise on Friday 14 August.

For more information, to download an information pack and make an application, visit the DiSE homepage.

Natalie Green, DiSE Lead, said: “The Diploma in Sporting Excellence Is a fantastic programme which enables athletes to combine a variety of physical and theoretical learning, supporting them towards taking their game to the next level.

“The delivery programme set out by Table Tennis England allows for players to gain vital knowledge in crucial areas that will support them as they progress through the TTE Pathway, and longer term into their chosen career.”