Sheffield Hallam recognises student elite athletes

7th October 2022

Earlier this week, colleagues, partners and support staff from Sheffield Hallam celebrated this year's cohort of performance sport athletes as part of the University's Performance Athletes Support Programme.

The scholarship programme has supported more than 1,000 student athletes over the last 20 years, leading to over 100 international medals including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and World Championships.  

The awards evening provided an opportunity to recognise and celebrate this year’s cohort of elite athletes, who are involved in high level sport whilst also undertaking academic courses at Sheffield Hallam.  

As well as meeting the student athletes who have been successful in gaining a place on this year’s Performance Athlete Support Programme, the event also provided an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the collaborative effort from colleagues across the organisation who contribute to the overall success and outcomes of the programme. 

The programme offers a variety of support for student athletes, including unlimited access to Hallam Sport, fitness facilities and programmes, which includes Team Hallam membership, bespoke strength and conditioning programmes and testing, physiotherapy, sports psychology, lifestyle, nutrition and anti-doping workshops and one-to-ones. 

Swimmer Amelia Monaghan, who is currently studying psychology at Sheffield Hallam, said: “Without the help and support from Sheffield Hallam it would not be possible or feasible to pursue my career in swimming. I am able to reach my full potential through accessing the facilities that the University offers to me, like a strength and conditioning programme and a nutritionist. I am able to balance my academics with my busy sporting lifestyle easier without becoming overwhelmed.” 

The programme has a proud history and this year recognised its 20th year. During this time, it has supported thousands of students to combine their academic studies with their sporting endeavours. 

The former Sheffield Hallam students that have become successful high-profile athletes include Leicester City striker Jess Sigsworth, three-time Olympic bronze-medallist table tennis player Aaron McKibbin and Commonwealth silver-medallist heptathlete Kate O’Connor. Current student and GB Boxer Lewis Richardson won silver at the European Championships and bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. 

The programme also offers financial support for athletes including a scholarship of up to £1,000 and financial assistance towards competing in BUCS competitions and international student competitions. 

Additional benefits to the scholarship programme include:     

• An online athlete monitoring platform
• Preferential accommodation allocation
• A commitment to academic flexibility to ensure students can compete and train whilst completing their degree
• The programme is led by Hallam’s Sports Services and supported by many different departments across the University.

Kate Cox, Head of Physical Activity and Sport at Sheffield Hallam, said: “We recognise the importance of providing the best possible environment and experience for our students to successfully pursue their dual career ambitions and remain committed to doing so through our Performance Athlete Support Scheme.”