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Sports student hits the bullseye with bronze medal award

20/07/2021

A University of Wolverhampton student took aim and hit the bullseye recently when he scooped a bronze medal in a national sports competition. 

Connor Rides, 21, from Kingswinford, is in his third year of studying for a Physical Education degree in the University’s Institute of Sport based at Walsall Campus.   

Connor represented the University of Wolverhampton at the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Outdoor Archery Championships at Lilleshall National Sports Centre and achieved the Bronze Medal in the Men’s Experienced Compound category. 

Connor benefits from an Elite Sports Scholarship to help him with his passion for archery whilst studying for his degree. 

The University’s WLV Sport Scholarship Scheme is linked to sports recognised within the BUCS competitive framework and WLV Sport Scholars studying for Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees can receive up to £4,500 over three years as well as free gym membership, access to physiotherapy, money towards travel costs and equipment and access to mentors and coaches. 

Connor has been involved in archery since the age of 10 and recently finished 2nd in the Central Region and 4th across the UK in the BUCS Indoor Qualifiers held in Manchester and then achieved 3rd place and a bronze medal in the BUCS Indoor Championship held in March.  He was also nominated for the award of ‘Outstanding Achievement of the Year’ by the Sports department.   

Connor said: “The University has offered me so much support to help me continue with my competitive performance in archery while I’ve been studying and the Elite Sports Scholarship has made a massive contribution to my achievements.  

“Archery gives me determination and focused precision which leads into my degree work. Studying at the University has opened up lots of doors for me and sports staff have really supported me in achieving my goals as a student and as an athlete. 

“It was amazing after quite a difficult year achieving bronze in this highly competitive category. My aim is to represent Great Britain at an international level.” 

James Dale, Sport Performance and Development Manager at the University, said: “Connor’s achievements have been outstanding and he has made the best use of the scholarship to aid his performance.  

“Any student who meets the criteria for the scholarships can apply and it offers additional support for students studying at the university. The University is a Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) accredited Dual Career site which supports students to continue competing whilst at the same time supporting them in their academic study with the help of mentors and other support networks.  

“Connor has been committed to archery whilst studying for his degree and it’s great to see his hard work and determination are really paying off – he thoroughly deserved achieving a podium finish in the BUCS championships and we congratulate him for his efforts.” 

The TASS Dual Career Accreditation Scheme recognises an education institution’s commitment to dual career support for talented athletes who are in full time education. Find out more about the scholarship: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/university-life/wlv-sport/sport-scholarship/ 

For anyone who already has the results of their qualifications, applications can be made through Clearing from Monday 5 July. Our Clearing webpage provides further information on all the courses we have available in Clearing. Applications can be made either by calling our Clearing Team on 01902 51 8585 or through our social media channels on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.  

For anyone who is awaiting the results of their qualifications, they can register their interest and book a phone call with a Clearing Adviser on results day, Tuesday, 10 August. 

Anyone looking to study at the University of Wolverhampton should register for one of our forthcoming Open Days.  

ENDS 

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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