The role of the Performance Lifestyle programme in Scotland is to assist athletes to manage their lifestyle to enhance their ability to compete at the highest level.

The programme enables athletes to identify their needs and supports them in integrating their sporting demands and non-sporting responsibilities so they can be successful now and in their life after sport.

Performance Lifestyle is a national programme, delivered regionally to promote accessibility to all athletes. The Scottish Performance Lifestyle programme has evolved within the sportscotland institute of sport network to deliver support to eligible Scottish athletes which is appropriate to their individual circumstances.

Performance Lifestyle is one of the many support services offered within the sportscotland institute of sport. The amount of support offered through the programme depends on the needs of the individual athlete. In some cases they will need continuous support, in other cases they need may only be occasional, while in others they may need none at all. The aim is to give the athlete the ability to be responsible for his or her own actions and encourage self sufficiency in all areas of their life.

SERVICES

The programme offers a variety of services to athletes, depending on their individual needs. When an athlete is introduced to the SIS network, they will complete a Lifestyle Profile with their Athlete Adviser. This is a one-to-one needs analysis session, which will introduce them to the wide range of support Performance Lifestyle has to offer.

The main strands of this support are:

  • Integration Planning

Enabling athletes to combine the demands of their sport with their personal aspirations and educating them in how to manage their lives so that maximal sporting performance can be achieved.

  • Educational Guidance

Providing advice for those athletes who wish to continue with their studies and support for those who are currently studying. Thismay include supporting athletes through the University application process or into Further Education.

  • Career Planning

Helping an athlete to see their sporting life as a part of their career plan and assisting them in exploring their own strengths and interests while matching these to possible future career aspirations out-with sport.

  • Transitional Support

For athletes who are injured, relocating or nearing the end of their career, the programme provides guidance on future options. (*See Referral) Other transition points for athletes may include moving from junior to senior programmes or moving to independent living.

  • Training and Development Programmes

This may be offered to groups or individual athletes in a wide range of subjects, including 'Media Know How', 'Financial Planning', and 'Communication Skills'. These courses are run in locations convenient for athletes, are delivered by experts in their fields and are also supported by e-learning materials on UKSI.net.

  • Referral

For athletes who need specialist support, the Athlete Adviser will refer to a recognised expert.

ELIGIBILITY

The scheme is open to all athletes supported by the sportscotland institute of sport network.