The Kingston University Sports Performance Programme is in need of extra funding if it is to provide the level of support its talented athletes deserve.

The programme, which currently supports 18 sports men and women studying at the university, is designed to assist students with both their academic and training commitments.

Jo Heath, the University Sports Development Manager and Performance Programme organiser, said: “We’ve taken on more athletes this year than ever before, but we want to make the programme even bigger. It always comes down to funding. With more funding we can run more workshops and offer better management advice.”

Included in the stated benefits of the programme are the provision of personal liaison officers to monitor each athlete’s academic progress, and bursaries to cover competition expenses. However, a number of students on the programme have suggested that the services on offer could be significantly improved.

Adam Marashi, a third year Sports Science and Business student, who has been selected for the Great Britain Universities Ice Hockey squad, said: “When I started on the programme at the beginning of my second year, we all had a meeting to discuss the aims and support that was going to be offered to us. But since then I’ve not been contacted or had any progress meetings”.

Femi Owolade, a Kingston Law student and track and field athlete who has performed at the English National Championships, said: “In terms of providing me with athletic support, I think the programme can do more. There are a number of improvements that could be made. Give athletes money for accommodation when they are competing, provide full kit for everyone involved and give us a sense of belonging to something great, make us proud.”

In response to these comments, Heath said: “In terms of academic support, we regularly consult with tutors and work around exam clashes and athletes commitments. If people on the programme are struggling in any way or don’t feel they are getting enough support with their studies, I would encourage them to come and talk to me.

 “We are constantly looking to improve the programme and we would really like to tap into the sports science department and make use of the expertise within it. When it comes to sport, greater financial support is what every single athlete would ask for. Obviously we can only provide that if we have the funds ourselves.