DiSE stands for Diploma in Sporting Excellence. It’s an athlete education programme that runs alongside British Weight Lifting’s Talent Pathway.

The programme is designed for young weightlifters aged 16–18 who show potential and want to take their development to the next level - both in sport and in life.

Delivered in partnership with Loughborough College, DiSE is a two-year programme. Throughout the programme, you’ll work through the British Weight Lifting training curriculum - this helps you understand the key skills and behaviours needed to become a successful weightlifter - and, importantly, how to apply them in a way that works for you.

You’ll also have the chance to learn from specialist practitioners in areas such as psychology, nutrition, and lifestyle, as well as connect with BWL coaches who can support both you and your personal coach.

What is DiSE?

The Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme is run in partnership between British Weight Lifting and Loughborough College. It’s a 2-year programme where aspiring athletes can learn skills that equip them to succeed in both sport and life.

As part of the programme, athletes will be exposed to the BWL training syllabus. By the end of the DiSE programme athletes will have an understanding of the specific skills and behaviours that are required to become a great weightlifter. Athletes will then be able to determine what is optimal for them and begin to adapt training to best meet their individual needs.

The DiSE programme will also provide athletes with unique opportunities to work with specialist practitioners in areas such as psychology, nutrition and lifestyle. Athletes will also be able to engage with BWL coaches who can provide support to them and their personal coach.

What can you expect from the programme?

As part of the two-year DiSE programme, athletes will:

• Receive ongoing mentoring and support
• Develop the skills, behaviours, and understanding needed to progress on the Talent Pathway
• Attend residential training camps in a high-performance environment
• Gain access to BWL performance analysis tools
• Take part in 1:1 sessions with specialist support staff
• Learn through a mix of online and face-to-face workshops

On successful completion of the qualification, athletes will receive 64 UCAS points (currently equivalent to a BTEC Extended Diploma at Merit, Pass, Pass and two A Levels at grade C).

The Diploma in Sporting Excellence can add weight to your personal statement or CV if you are to pursue an alternative career and field of study alongside sport.

How is the programme delivered?

The DiSE programme is delivered through a blend of face-to-face and online learning, designed to fit around your education and training.

Across the two years, athletes will attend four residential training camps (each lasting two days).

These camps bring together technical, physical, and competition-themed sessions to help you better understand the demands of weightlifting — and how to improve your performance.

Alongside this, you’ll take part in regular workshops. These are designed to give you practical tools to support both your training and everyday life — these include themes such as diversifying your identity, building your own support team, redefining recovery and developing your mental skills.

What topics does DiSE cover?

During the course, athletes will engage in the BWL DiSE training curriculum, alongside a range of additional modules, including:

• Injury prevention
• Psychological skills
• Nutrition
• Lifestyle
• Dual career planning
• Financial fitness
• Communication and media
• Anti-doping 
• Health and safety
• Culture, values, and behaviours

There may also be opportunities to access additional courses to further your knowledge of the sport.

Who is eligible for DiSE?

To apply for the DiSE programme, athletes must meet the following criteria:

• Aged 16–18 (born between 01/09/2009 and 31/08/2010, entering Year 12)
• In full-time education (or approved part-time study)
• Currently on, or enrolling onto, the British Weight Lifting Talent Pathway
• Willing to commit to the full two-year programme (with scheduling designed to avoid A-Level exam periods)

All athletes must complete an application form (link below).

British Weight Lifting and Loughborough College will then review applications and confirm eligibility.

Apply for DiSE 2026–28

If you’re interested in joining the 2026–28 DiSE programme, you can apply by completing the application form using the button below.

The form includes a number of short questions and should take around 20 minutes to complete. Your responses help us assess eligibility and select athletes for the programme.

All information will be stored securely in line with BWL and Loughborough College GDPR policies.

Places are limited, so please apply as soon as possible. The closing date for applications is Sunday 12 July.

If you have any questions, please contact: mark.hill@britishweightlifting.org

Apply here