A University of Worcester sports coach has been recognised for his service to talented young athletes across the region.
Marc Scriven, the University’s Director of Strength and Conditioning, was commended by the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) for his 15 years’ service with a special commemorative award.
He has provided strength and conditioning support for national and international performance athletes living or studying in Herefordshire and Worcestershire since TASS was founded, and was one of only five practitioners to receive this award, which marked TASS’ 15th anniversary.
“I remain proud to have been associated with all the athletes,” said Marc, who completed a Sports Science degree at the University of Worcester seven years ago. “Each athlete excelled in their chosen sport, and I have been privileged to be part of that process and contribute to their competitive success.
“It’s fantastic to see their progress. These young athletes work extremely hard to manage dual careers in study and performance sport; they are training virtually full-time and study equally hard, to achieve academic success. The students are absolutely amazing. I’m committed to the concept of life-long learning. Every day I go in the gym I learn something new and am inspired by these young people, by their dedication and hard work.”
TASS is a Sport England funded partnership between athletes, education institutions and national governing bodies of sport to nurture young talent. They work together to support athletes in education above the age of 16 to succeed in their sporting and academic careers without having to choose between them. TASS provides physiotherapy, strength and conditioning (S&C), nutrition and lifestyle support.
Marc believes he has supported almost 100 young athletes during his strength and conditioning work for TASS. Initially, Mr Scriven delivered in the area under the Birmingham hub, until the University of Worcester became a TASS Delivery Site. For many years Marc was the only TASS S&C coach practitioner in the two counties and trained TASS athletes competing in blind football, netball canoeing, fencing, archery, rugby, cricket and cycling.
In addition, Marc supports many of the University’s performance athletes on the University’s scholarship programme. He also provides S&C coaching support for the University’s performance sports teams, and the University’s professional sport franchises including Severn Stars Superleague Netball and Worcester Wolves BBL Basketball clubs.
***photo courtesy of TASS/Sports Beat