Talented table tennis players aged 16 to 18 can now apply to join the Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme from 2025/26.

The government-funded scheme combines performance training opportunities with education. Players who successfully complete the two-year programme will receive 64 UCAS points that they use towards entry into university. The current cohort are pictured above at a recent tournament in Linz.

Applications to join the 2025-27 cohort, who begin the course next season, are now open. The deadline to apply is 9am on Monday 30 June, 2025.

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.

“It allows players to gain extra hours on the table via training camps, alongside gaining a recognised 1st 4 Sport Level 3 Diploma in Sporting Excellence, which goes towards UCAS points for university entry.

“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”.

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