Student aims for teaching success after sports scholarship hits the bullseye

Physical Education and School Sport

A University of Wolverhampton student is taking aim for teaching success after benefiting from an Elite Sports Scholarship to help him with his passion for archery whilst studying for his degree. 

Connor Rides, 21, from Kingswinford, is in his third year of studying for a Physical Education degree in the University’s Institute of Sport based at Walsall Campus.  

The University’s WLV Sport Scholarship Scheme is linked to sports recognised within the BUCS competitive framework and WLV Sport Scholars studying for Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees can receive up to £4,500 over three years as well as free gym membership, access to physiotherapy, money towards travel costs and equipment and access to mentors and coaches. 

Connor has been involved in archery since the age of 10 and competes in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) competition. He recently finished 2nd in the Central Region and 4th across the UK in the BUCS Indoor Qualifiers held in Manchester and then achieved 3rd place and a bronze medal in the BUCS Indoor Championship held in March.  He was also nominated for the award of ‘Outstanding Achievement of the Year’ by the Sports department.  

Connor said: “The University has offered me so much support to help me continue with my competitive performance in archery while I’ve been studying and the Elite Sports Scholarship has made a massive contribution to my achievements. 

“I had planned this year to attend the Archery GB National series across the UK but despite competitions being halted, I’ve found alternative methods of training to prepare myself for the upcoming World University Games which is usually held in Chengdu, China. My aim is to represent Great Britain at an international level. 

“Archery gives me determination and focused precision which leads into my degree work. Studying at the University has opened up lots of doors for me.  My aim is to continue my education and study for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education to become a Primary School teacher.  Sports staff have really supported me in achieving my goals as a student and as an athlete.” 

James Dale, Sport Performance and Development Manager at the University, said: “Connor’s achievements have been outstanding and he has made the best use of the scholarship to aid his performance. 

“Any student who meets the criteria for the scholarships can apply and it offers additional support for students studying at the university. The University is a Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) accredited Dual Career site which supports students to continue competing whilst at the same time supporting them in their academic study with the help of mentors and other support networks. 

“Connor has been committed to archery whilst studying for his degree and it’s great to see his hard work and determination are really paying off – we hope that he can again achieve a podium finish in the upcoming BUCS championships as he thoroughly deserves it.” 

The TASS Dual Career Accreditation Scheme recognises an education institution’s commitment to dual career support for talented athletes who are in full time education. Find out more about the scholarship: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/university-life/wlv-sport/sport-scholarship/ 

Anyone looking to study at the University of Wolverhampton should register for one of our forthcoming Open Days.  

ENDS