The University of Ulster is creating new sporting opportunities by introducing eight new categories to its successful Widening Access Sports Scholarships (WASS) programme.

Applications for undergraduate students are now open for WASS with the Ulster Sports Academy now offering 12 different strands to the scheme.

New elements include Sports Leaderships and Volunteering Scholarship, GymFun Scholarship, Physical Activity Promotion Scholarship, Community Sports Ambassador, Sports Events Scholarship, Commercial Development and Performance Services Scholarship.

Stephen Street, acting sports development manager, said: “The Widening Access Sports Scholarships are designed to open up opportunities for undergraduate students.

“The awards, supported through the University’s Access Fund, give students the opportunity to benefit not just financially, but through involvement and interaction with the work of the Ulster Sports Academy. It better places students to gain valuable experience and vital workplace skills, which can put them in a better position to gain employment after graduation.”

A total of £55,000 of funding is provided for the WASS, which also offer scholarships on the Sport for Life programme, Dance Outreach, and Coach Education.

Working alongside members of the Ulster Sports Academy, the scholars will deliver programmes and services in each of the areas they work in. Scholarships are worth between £500 and £1000 each and are designed to encourage and reward at undergraduate students contributing to the many widening access through sport initiatives programmes and events planned by the Sports Academy for the next academic year 2010-11.

Details of the scholarships available and application information is available a thttp://www.ulster.ac.uk/sportscentre/wasss1.html