A new DiSE cohort has been selected for 2025-27 following an open application process – with five additional places taking the total number in the squad up from 10 to 15.
Also new for this year, the intake will have the opportunity to gain a coaching qualification while they combine their studies with high-quality table tennis training.
Those selected for DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) includes Max Radiven, Ella Pashley and Sienna Jetha, who all competed for England at the European Youth Championships this summer, as well as twin brothers Hugo and Leo Nguyen.
The full list is: Prayrit Ahulawia, Naomi Coker, Eva Eccles, Alexander Graham, Will Hopkins, Sienna Jetha, Hugo Nguyen, Leo Nguyen, Millie Noble, Ella Pashley, Max Radiven, Phillip Snell, Sebastian Srna, Harry Street and Lily Walters.
DiSE lead and Talent Pathway Support Coach Natalie Green said the increase in numbers was as a result of extra investment by SportsAid, which manages the DiSE programme across various sports National Governing Bodies on behalf of Sport England.
She said: “This is a good step for Table Tennis England and the players within its pathway as it allows us to broaden the base of athletes able to be part of the system.
“There was a great deal of interest from around 30 applicants this year which was brilliant for us to see. It has showed us that the DiSE programme has been recognised and fully embedded within the Table Tennis England pathway over the last few years and players recognise the benefits that it can bring to their continued development, both on and off the table.
“This year the programme has continued to evolve with the athletes all having the opportunity to gain a coaching qualification, as well as receiving expert advice from a variety of practitioners, including nutritionists, lifestyle advisors and UK Anti-Doping leads.”
UKAD Workshop delivered at DiSE camp
What is DiSE?
DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) is a specialised qualification for students who have the chance to demonstrate and develop their capacity to meet the demands of a high-performance sports performer.
DiSE aims to support young athletes in the talent system to combine sport and education so that they have the skills, knowledge and competence to pursue sporting excellence alongside developing the skills and qualifications for a post-sport career.
DiSE provides a comprehensive syllabus to support young athletes to gain an additional qualification and achieve their full potential within the NGB talent pathway as well as their future career.
SportsAid, which manages DiSE on behalf of Sport England, is a charity which also currently manages the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS), the Backing The Best programme and the core SportsAid Award programme, all of which support aspiring young top-class athletes.
Joint DiSE and Future’s training camp
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