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The Level 3 Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) qualification supports talented and committed young athletes who have realistic potential to be high achievers in their sport.

It is the officially endorsed boxing education programme supported and recognised by England Boxing.

With a value of 64 UCAS points, it combines boxing and full-time education so participants have the skills, knowledge and competence to pursue sporting excellence alongside education and a future career.

DiSE offers aspiring boxers aged 16 to 19 the chance to train full-time in boxing while also studying full-time to gain qualifications that will benefit them outside of the ring.

You can study DiSE over two years alongside your school or College’s main study programme and is delivered by highly qualified and experienced England Boxing coaches.

There are only 100 places nationally, so is highly competitive for elite-level or potentially elite-level boxers. See how to apply at the bottom of this page.

How the programme works

Education and funding

DiSE is funded by Sport England as a dual career pathway for athletes who have been recognised and nominated by their National Governing Body as having high potential for excellence.

The programme is delivered over two years, with the boxers able to choose their further education studies, such as A levels, BTEC or other vocational qualifications.

Boxers must be in full-time education for the duration of the DiSE programme.

Boxing

The DiSE programme is an essential part of England Boxing’s long-term athlete development pathway.

Through it, England Boxing hopes to provide talented young boxers with the opportunity to fulfil their potential and progress into future England and GB international boxers.

Sports leaders of the future

Alongside education and sporting development, the DiSE programme also seeks to develop athletes in other areas such as sports science, sports development, elite coaching or sports administration – England Boxing’s leaders of the future.

Who is eligible?

DiSE is designed for the following categories of athletes:

  • Boxers between the ages of 16 and 19 years
  • Boxers who are, or show the potential to become, elite-level
  • Boxers registered with England Boxing-affiliated club only

Boxers who are interested in the programme, but feel that they do not meet one of the above categories, can still apply and will be allowed to be assessed at an open assessment day.

Testimonials

Chris Porter (GB Boxing Coach Development Manager): “I have had the opportunity to meet the DiSE Coaches and have also worked with them via some England Talent Boxing programmes. A stand-out for me was the quality of the coaching and the passion that the coaches have to help develop the person, the athlete and the boxer. If a boxer wants to combine their education and boxing progression, the DiSE programme is a great option.”

James Hooper (GB Boxing Performance Lifestyle): “A boxer’s career is defined by many aspects, including talent, ability, work ethic and also their education, along with making the right decisions. The DiSE programme is a recognised England Boxing programme and if you are a boxer who wants to progress their boxing skills and educational journey, it is an option to consider.”

Harvey Horn (Ex GB boxer, European silver medallist,  current unbeaten WBO European Flyweight champion and former student AASE/DISE student):  “I spent two years on the programme and it helped me massively. I made great friends and learned about many aspects of the sport that really helped me later as I progressed to box for GB. I really recommend the DISE scheme to any boxer wishing to make the next steps onto GB and the England team.”

Laura Ross (GB Boxing Head of Operations): “A career in sport is a great option, you are able to blend your passion of sport and your own professional career. Spending time and focus on your education gives you a great opportunity to be successful in the future.”

Dave Alloway (GB Boxing Lead Coach): “For me, education and investing in your own future is so important. Aim to be the best boxer you can be and also have a plan for after boxing.”

The DiSE centres and contacts

England Boxing is partnered with South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS) to oversee and manage the quality of DiSE delivery at its six national high-performance boxing and educational venues, detailed below.

Midlands – CornerPost Education Centre, Tamworth

Alan Keast
Centre Manager
alan@disemidlands.org
01827 314111

South East – Brighton Metropolitan College

Adam Haniver
DiSE Coach
adam.haniver@gbmc.ac.uk
07825 684196

London – The Spotlight Centre

Mark Collings
DiSE Coach
mark_collings@live.co.uk
07496 310660

Western – SGS College, Bristol

Michael Biggs
DiSE Coach
Michael.Biggs@sgscol.ac.uk
07585 610374

North West/ Merseyside and Cheshire – Warrington Youth Zone, Warrington

Tony Challinor
DiSE Coach
tony.challinor1@iCloud.com
0161 641 3863

North East – Gateshead College

Gavin Rickelton
DiSE Coach
gavin.rickelton@gateshead.ac.uk
07860 376261

 

For more information and how to apply

If you require further details as a potential student or parent, please contact the relevant coach above.

You can also see more in the DiSE blog.