TOTAL COMPUTERS have teamed up with British Cycling to fund coaching scholarships aimed at getting more people from diverse backgrounds involved within cycling, writes Matthew Chadder.

Just 2% of cycling coaches are from a diverse ethnic background and the Total Computers Scholarship is making strides to change that alarming statistic; 27% of their scholars come from diverse ethnic groups.

The programme launched in 2022, with an intake of 18 scholars, who all have funded access to British Cycling education courses, alongside mentoring and personalised development programmes amongst much more.

The scholarship is part-time and available over a two-year period, allowing flexibility for scholars to continue with other commitments.

Current scholar Asma has described the programme as an “amazing” and “uplifting” experience.

“It’s nice to meet such a diverse range of people who are from completely different backgrounds.

“This was a really good opportunity. It worked around my own commitments as well as giving me time to upskill myself over the two years.”

Asma believes that cycling historically has been viewed as a “middle-class sport” meaning that people from diverse backgrounds don’t “connect with the sport.”

“I think because people don’t see anyone in that space that looks like them, they don’t feel that it’s inclusive for them.

“When I was younger, I never had the opportunity to go, I didn’t even know what a cycling club was or that it existed” However, Asma believes that the scholarship is now helping to contribute towards “the tides changing.”

“I can now go back into my community and be like, these are the things available, so start applying. If they can see somebody like themselves who has been through the process, they can identify with that.”

Applicants from England, Wales, or Scotland over the age of 18 who are passionate and committed to cycling are invited to apply, however some of the ten scholarships have been ringfenced, in order to meet their aims of inclusivity and diversity.

Two scholarships are reserved for the West Midlands, with the goal of cementing the legacy of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, with two further spots each reserved for BMX freestyle coaches, Scottish residents, and Welsh residents respectively.

Most notably, 50% of places are ringfenced for female applicants. This is due to the fact that only 22% of the cycling coaching workforce are female, and Asma has praised British Cycling for “doing more to get women involved.”

Applications are open for the next intake of applicants, starting in January 2023, with the deadline to apply being October 5 and Asma is calling for people to apply whilst they still have the chance.

“If you’ve got a passion for it, and you think you might not be good enough, don’t let that stop you, because you’re just creating barriers for yourself.

“I didn’t think I would get it, I thought there’s going to be so many more amazing people, but the team saw it’s something I am passionate about.

“The passion will shine through, just go for it and apply!”

Visit: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/coaching/article/commit-to-coaching-with-a-funded-scholarship-0