We are excited to announce that we are once again partnering with the True Athlete Project, as three of our sports scholars embark on TAP’s flagship programme – The Global Athlete Mentoring Scheme. The scheme which is overseen by Alumnus Laurence Halstead (Psychology 2003) matches young athletes with world class current or former champions in a year long, one to one relationship, during which they’ll explore themes such as performance, identity, mindfulness and responsibility. Those behind the True Athlete Project pride themselves on being leaders in practically changing the culture of sport, in order to create a more compassionate world.
The scheme (which has won awards for social impact through sport) has been running since 2016, with Sussexsport having been involved for the last 7 years.
The 2025 cohort sees Mechanical Engineering student and Rower Ethan Mann paired with local hero David Wheeler, currently playing football for Wycombe Wanderers as well as training to be a sport psychologist. His areas of expertise also include environmental advocacy and activism. In a happy coincidence, David has a University of Sussex connection, as he is the son of Terry Wheeler - a former Assistant Director of Sport here in the early 90's.
Also a Rower, Law student James Edgar will be under the guidance of Scottish archer Erik Rowbotham, who has won medals at the European level and been part of TAP since 2023.
Law student and Mounted Games athlete Lily Soloman will benefit from the experience of Leicestershire hockey player Sarah Cockayne, who has won World and European gold medals as part of the England Masters squad.
Although sport can be magical and life changing, there is all too often a darker side to the culture of youth sport, which TAP aim to overcome by equipping these young athletes with the knowledge and skills to continue on their journey to greatness.