Performance Sports
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High Performance Sport
The University of East London has propelled itself into the forefront of university sport across our High Performance sports: volleyball, basketball, football and wheelchair basketball.
The exceptional coaching and service provision allow you to develop and excel. We take a holistic approach, and our services are year-round and uncapped, meaning you can access as much support as you need.
Our High Performance sport scholars include Olympians and senior internationals who represent the University of East London at national and international competitions.
Click the link below to get an insight into the support on offer.
The UEL High Performance Programme
Have a listen to what some of our current cohort have to say about the programme.
Sports scholarships
We know it can be challenging to combine university studies with competitive sport. Our High Performance scholarships provide support both financially and with elite athlete support services, which include:
- Annual financial contributions to academic studies and living costs
- Physiotherapy, Sports Therapy, Sports Massage and Osteopathy
- Private access to Aqua East, our Elite Athlete Training Centre for Strength & Conditioning and Medical Services
- Access to Ice Bath and Compression Recovery Systems
- Performance Lifestyle Support
- Elite Athlete Wellbeing Management Support delivered by Sporting Wellness
- UKSCA-accredited strength and conditioning training
- Private access to scholar strength and conditioning facility
- Aqua East
- Lifestyle and performance workshops
- Sports science support, including nutrition, psychology, physiology, biomechanics and performance analysis
- Active recovery and yoga sessions
- Elite athlete academic study policy
- Priority access to on-campus accommodation and the option to stay with other athletes on the programme
Basketball
UEL's basketball programme is the number one leading programme in London.
Football
The UEL football programme is one of the leading within London and the Southeast UK.
Volleyball
Our volleyball programme at UEL has become our most successful high-performance programme.
Wheelchair Basketball
We’re one of nine universities with a Wheelchair Basketball BUCS programme.
The support I got from UEL like flexibility from my lecturers, extension dates and general leniency has been so helpful. I wouldn’t be able to study whilst playing for the London Lions without it.
Holly Winterburn
UEL Basketball Scholar and London Lions Player
Performance Sports FAQs
Do I need to be on a sports scholarship to join a performance squad?
No. Performance squads are open to talented athletes regardless of scholarship status. Scholarships are awarded separately and focus on elite performance levels.
What level do I need to compete at for selection?
You’ll usually need to be competing at the regional, national or academy level in your sport. Coaches assess athletes individually and may invite you to trials.
Can international students join UEL performance teams?
Yes. Performance squads welcome both UK and international athletes, and many of UEL’s top performers come from overseas.
What if my sport isn’t listed?
UEL focuses on key performance pathways such as basketball, football and volleyball. If your sport isn’t listed, we can still advise on club opportunities or recreational pathways on campus.
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