Manx Government – The Isle of Man’s most talented young athletes to receive more support

The next generation of high-performance athletes in full-time education will receive previously unheard-of support on the Isle of Man, thanks to a new partnership with Sport England.

This is after the arm’s length object has successfully extended its height

ssful Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) to the Isle of Man.

The move follows discussions between Sport England, Sport Isle of Man and the Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC) ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The secondary school and Isle of Man University College have been supported by TASS accreditation, which recognises that schools should demonstrate flexibility and understanding to young athletes who are trying to balance a busy sports schedule with their academic studies.

The entire process was overseen by newly appointed co-ordinator Nikki Arthur and was fully funded by IoM Sport, meaning no extra work had to be done by the school.

Nikki also oversees a pilot performance development programme which currently mentors 33 potential stars and provides facilities, performance services and workshops to suit their time at school.

Rising mountain bike star Isaac Batty was one of the first athletes to take part in the pilot program. The 16-year-old said: “The program has been great so far as it has given me the opportunity to meet other people working towards similar goals. The strength and conditioning program has been really fun and has really helped with my training.”

Minister of Education, Sports and Culture Daphne Caine MHK said:

“TASS and the Performance Development Programme is an innovative and potentially transformative project for the Isle of Man that will help ensure our young people on the Island have the best opportunity to fulfil their sporting and educational potential.

“It will build on the great work already being done in schools across the island and recognise their support for our next generation of stars.”

Sports Performance Coordinator Paul Jones added:

“This is an exciting opportunity to provide young people and their families with unprecedented support that is structured around their learning. If all goes well, the island will have the unique position among the British Isles as the only jurisdiction where the entire education system has signed up to the agreement.”

It is hoped that by September 2024, all secondary schools and UCMs will be accredited.