King's Performance Sport Athletes Dina Asher-Smith (far left) and Imani-Lara Lansiquot (far right) at the European Athletics Championships 2018.

Kings College London is leading the way with supporting talented athletes in education in England, having been accredited by a new TASS initiative.

The Sport England-backed programme supports young sportspeople on the talent pathway to have the opportunity to gain qualifications alongside their sporting pursuits and follow other interests and personal development. By formally recognising an institution’s commitment to supporting student athletes, the TASS Dual Career Accreditation Scheme aims to allow athletes to reach their potential in education alongside achieving success in their sport.

Vice-President and Vice-Principal (Education) Nicola Phillips, who supported King’s Sport in obtaining the accreditation said: "I am extremely proud of the achievements of King’s Sport. King’s has become the first Central London University to be Accredited as a TASS Dual Career Centre, enabling us to support the next generation of talented student athletes."

"The accreditation is a recognition of King’s status as a world-leading university, and a destination for high achieving individuals to perform at their optimal levels not only in their sporting careers, but also in their chosen area of academic study. We look forward to welcoming the next Dina Asher-Smith to join our University community!"

Referenced within the Education section of Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson’s Duty of Care in Sport Review published in April 2017, accreditation shows that university or college has the ability to support students following a dual career route. Backing the scheme, she said: "I believe we have to a duty to help young people to achieve their potential, whilst prioritising their welfare, wellbeing and education. For the vast majority of athletes, skills and formal qualifications are needed to help them find alternative careers, either alongside their sporting activities or once their sporting days are over."

"For me the TASS Dual Career Accreditation Scheme is a vitally important measure to ensuring all athletes have the chance to pursue an education and enjoy a more well-rounded approach to life."

Meet... Imani (Performance Athlete)

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Imani-Lara Lansiquot

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