Badminton World Federation has today announced a scholarship programme that will provide dual career athletes, who have chosen a joint educational and elite sporting life, and talent already employed within the badminton family, greater opportunities to learn new skills that can help them improve their career opportunities and in turn the communities around them.
The scholarships are being offered in partnership with the World Academy of Sport (WAoS), a leader in developing specialist education programmes in the sports industry. Through the partnership, Badminton World Federation and WAoS are able to provide more assistance to dual career athletes and industry staff by offering flexible solutions combining sport and education on a global basis.
The partnership will provide immediate opportunities for athletes and talent working within badminton with one fully-funded scholarship, and 10 half-funded scholarships available for WAoS’ and University of London’s recently launched Postgraduate Certificate, International Sports Management. The course is 100 per cent online and can be completed over a period of up to five years, recognising that athletes and industry professionals require varying levels of learning at different stages in their careers as many have limited time available.
In order to be eligible, applicants should have:
- An existing undergraduate degree (e.g. bachelor degree) or a minimum of 5-8 years of relevant work experience and professional references; and
- An English language level of IELTS: at least 6.5 overall, with 6.0 in the written test or other equivalent proficiency certification.
- Be in good standing with their Member Association.
More information around the application process can be seen here. The deadline for applications is 9 November 2020.
Additionally, WAoS, in partnership with BWF, are offering 100 scholarships per Member Association for the WAoS Athlete Certificate which is an online course developed for aspiring student athletes aged between 15 to 18 years of age who want to gain a broader understanding of the tools needed to become successful and knowledgeable athletes. The course has been designed and written by content writers who work regularly with athletes and has been overseen by an expert reference group representing a number of International Federations, including the BWF. All applicants will need to be in good standing with their Member Association. For more information click here.
BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund said: “We are delighted to partner with WAoS through this scholarship initiative to enable our dual career athletes and employees of Member Associations to acquire new qualifications through participating in WAoS’ leading education programmes.
“This opportunity comes at an important time where the livelihoods of many participants in the sports industry, including badminton, have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I encourage all athletes to who wish to explore academic pursuits to complement their badminton career, as well as any Member Association who would like their staff to be considered for the available scholarships, to apply as this may be the first step towards exciting new opportunities.”
WAoS’ Managing Director, Chris Solly, said: “We are delighted to offer scholarships to athletes and Members Associations of the Badminton World in these challenging times to individuals who may be looking to enhance their industry skills and competencies.
“Through initiatives such as this scholarship programme, WAoS is helping the sports industry on the road to recovery from the COVID-19 crisis through our fully online education pathway. This provides opportunities from high school to postgraduate education, with some of the world’s leading global educational institutions as our partners.”
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