Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence in Golf (AASE)

[Printable version]

* Applications are now being received for
AASE golf students 2011 *

"The Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) in golf aims to support young golfers (between the ages of 16 and 19) who have the realistic potential to achieve excellence in their sport and are seeking to perform at the highest level as their main career goal." 

The AASE golf programme is a two year elite athlete development initiative designed to support young, talented, male and female athletes in achieving their maximum potential in the sport.

It is exclusively available to those young people who have demonstrated the necessary talent and skill required to suggest that they have a realistic chance to make a career from playing golf, either for England or as a playing professional. 

The AASE golf programme can be completed in one of two ways: -

1)   England Golf AASE Academy

There are 15 England Golf endorsed further education colleges offering the AASE golf programme. For full details of how to apply, please contact your nearest England Golf AASE Academy.

2)   England Futures

If the England Golf AASE Academy route isn't appropriate, ‘England Futures’ is an alternative programme that allows young players to access the benefits of AASE. England Futures, launched jointly between the English Golf Union and English Women’s Golf Association, is aimed at providing targeted support to England’s most talented young golfers during perhaps the most critical phase of development; when they need to manage their academic work with the development of their sport skills.

Any player that is selected to be a part of the England Futures programme will not be an ordinary player. They must possess the drive and commitment to do their level best both academically and within their golf training and they must possess the discipline to maintain detailed records of their improvement through the programme and be dedicated enough to ensure that they complete all modules in full. The England Futures player will also have a track record of playing competitive amateur golf to a high level, nationally or within their region.

In return the England Futures player will receive top class coaching from specially selected England coaches, a complete package of sports science support including biomechanics, strength & conditioning and psychological training, as well as additional resources towards competition and tournament expenses.

Peter Mattsson the Director of Coaching at the English Golf Union has recognised the role that this programme could play in the development of an aspiring elite golfer: - 

“The fact that a player can combine their studies with their golf into one package is fantastic. Players will be guided to ensure that their competitive and training schedules are organised so as not to impact on study for exams in the middle of the competitive season, the added advantage of course is that with this programme the experience gained during the competitive season contributes to their studies!”

And it’s not just for the boys, The England Golf Partnership is specifically looking to encourage more girls to participate in the scheme something that Linda Bayman, Performance Director at the English Women’s Golf Association is keen to stress: - 

“The scheme is ideal for girls looking to further their careers in the game at a time when they are put under pressure to follow an educational pathway. AASE is the best of both worlds, education, leading to a career or a place at university coupled with a golf training programme which could lead to a life as a professional .”

The England Futures programme will be delivered through the EGU's existing Regional Coaching network. Players who would like to be considered for a place should download the application form (above right) and send it to: -

Mrs Jackie Ward
Coaching Department
English Golf Union Ltd
The National Golf Centre
The Broadway
Woodhall Spa
Lincolnshire
LN10 6PU

The closing date for the 2011 intake of AASE students is Wednesday 31st August 2011

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