A new training scheme called the Practitioners Development Programme has been launched by UK Sport to help high-calibre sports medicine and sports science graduates develop the competencies required to work with world-class athletes.

The programme will last one year and provide a combination of structured learning and on-the-job training for successful applicants.

It has been developed primarily in response to employer demand for home-grown sports medicine and science practitioners in the UK’s high performance sporting sector.

Two internships have already been filled, but applications are still open for seven other places on the programme, which will be based at either the English Institute of Sport or the Welsh Institute of Sport. Details: www.uksport.gov.uk