Culture secretary Tessa Jowell has announced a further £6m investment into the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS).

TASS – which was launched this academic year – offers sporting services such as physiotherapy, sports medicine and coaching to talented athletes in higher and further education to the value of £3,000 a year.

The programme is designed to make the transition from school to beyond easier for potential elite performers. Athletes between the ages of 16-19 are nominated by their NGB and if successful, win a scholarship allowing them to access better facilities, support and advice. 47 NGBs are backing the scheme, and 15 sports for the disabled are included. Disabled athletes can be aged up to 35.

The scheme received an initial investment of £3m a year starting 2004/5. The additional funds mean the scheme will now run until 2007/8.

The government has also committed to expanding the scheme in 2005 to include a further £1m to be spent on ‘2012 Scholarships’ which will be worth up to £10,000 a year and will be open to 12-18 year olds.