UCP Marjon Academy of Sport

Marjon Sport Academy of Sport Logo

In September 2008 the UCP Marjon Academy of Sport was launched to support the development three focus sports teams: Men’s Basketball, Netball and Men’s Hockey.

The Academy of Sport offers players who have unrefined or established talent and commitment with an opportunity to develop as an all round athlete in their respective sport.  Established in 2008 the Academy of Sport at UCP Marjon provides our three focus sports with a dedicated sports specific coach, specialist strength and conditioning coach, sport therapy support and a financial grant to cover the cost of training with Plymouth Marjon Basketball, Netball or Hockey. In return students in the Academy of Sport have a structured weekly programme of compulsory training which includes skills, fitness, and strength and conditioning and recovery sessions. In addition academy members must compete for UCP Marjon teams in BUCS competition and the relevant Plymouth Marjon team.

The three clubs which are linked to the Academy Sport Programme compete at regional or national league level with the clear target of gaining promotion over the coming years. These strong club links mean that Academy of Sport members also have an excellent opportunity to develop their coaching skills, and this is encouraged.

The Academy aims to:

  • Raise the profile of UCP Marjon locally, regionally and nationally.
  • Increase the success of the UCP Marjon sports teams in BUCS competitions, subsequently raising the profile of UCP Marjon within the HE sector.
  • Attract a higher standard of athlete to UCP Marjon.
  • Through greater sporting success raise the standard of academic intake and help to re-engineer the student culture.
  • Assist in attracting business sponsors to support the sports academy.

Services Offered to Academy Members

Sports Therapy – It is vital as an athlete that you can train and compete in peak condition. However injuries are inevitable and it is vital that our athletes receive the best treatment. Therefore, UCP Marjon provides all academy members with free sports therapy treatment to assist recovery from injury and support injury prevention. With an onsite sports therapy clinic athletes can access quality treatment without having to be referred by their doctor. This vital area is supported by UCP Marjon Senior Lecturer in Sports Therapy, Sarah Catlow.

Sports Science – With a experienced sports science academic team at UCP Marjon, academy athletes are able to access support in sports psychology, nutrition along side their conditioning and testing programme.

Strength & Conditioning – This vital part of the academy. Academy athletes receive a tailored programme for their sport. Early morning strength and conditioning sessions ensure players are in the best physical condition to train and play. Alongside the team training athletes also receive specific programmes especially to support rehab from injuries and aid recovery.

Funding - All academy players receive financial grants to ensure they can play for Plymouth Marjon clubs at the weekend. This funding helps to pay for their subscriptions and match fees. Further support is provided, via the SF, to players who are at regional or national level and require financial support to attend trials, training and events. UCP Marjon aims to support all its athletes within the Academy to ensure they can develop and succeed.

How do I apply?
All students will need to apply to become a member of the UCP Marjon Academy of Sport irrespective of whether they have been a member during the previous years.

Those students looking to secure a place on the UCP Marjon Academy of Sport will need to complete a trials application form by the 18 September 2009 and attend trials at the beginning of the academic year. An application form can be downloaded from the bottom of this page. Trials will be publicised via the UCP Marjon website and via posters which will be displayed around the campus. The Community Classroom Coach Mentors will make the final decision regarding who will become members of the UCP Marjon Academy of Sport.

Responsibilities of Academy and TAPA members
A substantial amount of money is invested by the University College into Academy and TAPA programmes. Academy and TAPA members are asked to remember the investment that the institution has made in them and commit 100% to the ethos and culture of the programmes. Academy of Sport students will be expected to commit and take responsibility for their own personal development as well as that of the team. Students who do not uphold these values will be removed from the programme.

Athletes are expected to comply to the SF  and Athlete Code of Conduct  and Academy of Sport and TAPA students will be expected to sign a contract. Funding will not be released to students until this process has been completed.

For more information, or an informal discussion please contact:
Kathryn Kearney 01752 636700 ext: 3031 or email or Jamie Oxley 01752 636700 ext: 2079 or email


UCP Marjon Academy of Sport Flyer (adobe .pdf, 2,230 kbs)


UCP Marjon Academy of Sport Trials Application Form (adobe .pdf, 55 kbs)
If you would like to 'trial' to become a member of the UCP Marjon Academy of Sport please download this form, complete it and return it by September 18 2009.

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