Passion. Pride. Performance.

Successful ESPS Athletes receive support as outline below depending on their level of award.

“To provide support for, and help develop, high performance athletes studying at the University of Sheffield.”

*Athletes must be living in the correct accommodation for that academic year in order to be eligible for this award. These accommodations include:

Birchen, Burbage, Cratclifffe, Endcliffe Crescent Flats, Crewe, Curbar, Derwent, Endcliffe Vale Flats, Froggatt, Howden, Kinder, Laddow, Lawrencefield, Millstone, Ramshaw, Ravenstone, Rivelin, Shore Court, Stanage, Stephenson, Wimberry, Windgather and Yarncliffe.

The ESPS Criteria:

Level 2 Tier:

• Senior International (GB or equivalent)
• Top Junior International (GB or equivalent)
• TASS Athlete (Has to be GB or equivalent representation)
• Sport Specific e.g. Road Cycling – Elite Category for at least 12 months

Level 1 Tier:

• International/National Representation (GB, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland or equivalent)
• Professional/Semi-Professional/High Level Academy:
  • For example:
    • Rugby Union: Regular Premiership Club Academy player, regular player in a National League 1 or above club
    • Rugby League: Regular Super League Academy player, regular player in a Championship or above club
    • Football: Regular Academy or player at full time, professional EFL club
    • Road cycling Specific – Category 1 or above
  • GB Development Pathways (e.g. Rowing’s England Talent Pathway, Swimming Pathway to Podium etc.)
  • High Level County (Sport dependant)
  • TASS Athlete

Please note, these criteria are guidelines, representing GB, or equivalent, as a senior international does not guarantee you a Level 2. All athletes who are awarded a place on the scheme are expected to represent The University of Sheffield wherever possible.

Please click here for the Student Athlete Participation Policy.

Application for 2023/24 are now open.

Applications are now open for the Elite Sports Performance Scheme for 2023/24. Spaces are limited, so we advise athletes to apply only if they believe they match the criteria guidelines as closely as possible. To further strengthen your application, provide as much clear and detailed information, evidence of sporting achievements and level of competition as possible for the selection committee to consider.

Open  - please click through the link https://finance.ssid.shef.ac.uk/apply/elite-sports-performance-scheme-undergraduate-application-form-2023-24

Selection Process 

Applications go through a shortlisting, then final selection process. A selection panel consisting of senior Sport Sheffield staff, professional service colleagues and Students’ Union representatives will consider your application. To make a decision the panel will take into account your sporting information and achievements (reviewed against a points system), sporting goals for the future and your supporting statement. When making their decisions, the panel will give regard to the following:

• Applicant is a registered student at the University of Sheffield or has an offer/applying to study at the University of Sheffield.
• Applicant has provided a supporting statement from a coach of NGB representative.
• Applicant has clearly articulated and evidenced their sporting achievements, current ranking/level and future ambitions.
• Applicants have identified clearly how the award will be beneficial to their student experience and sporting endeavours.
• Applicant has clearly demonstrated how they will be an asset to Sport Sheffield and The University of Sheffield.