How the DiSE programme shaped me: Robbie Alexander
March 6, 2021 | by Matt Halfpenny
As the fifth boxer to feature in our series of those past and present who have attended the two-year DiSE programme, Robbie Alexander explains how his time at Gateshead College was pivotal in him obtaining a place at university.
“Having previously attended a boxing taster day there, I specifically went to Gateshead College to take part in their boxing programme.
“I really enjoyed the training and my boxing skills really developed.
“Studying two courses at once (an educational course running alongside the boxing) was hard work, but I learned so much about myself.
“The extra UCAS points I got from the boxing programme made things easier for me to obtain a place at Northumbria University and study for my degree in Sport and Exercise Science.
“I would certainly recommend Gateshead College and the DiSE boxing programme for any aspiring boxer.”
Robbie, now 22, graduated with a second class honours degree, is now boxing at Kenton ABC and is hoping to get ‘right back into it’ once the Covid-19 Pandemic is over.
He is now working at Sage and in the long-term hopes to do his PGCE qualification to become a teacher.
More about DiSE
The Level 3 Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) qualification supports talented and committed young athletes who have realistic potential to be high achievers in their sport.
It is the officially-endorsed boxing education programme supported and recognised by England Boxing.
With a value of 64 UCAS points, it combines boxing and full-time education so participants have the skills, knowledge and competence to pursue sporting excellence alongside education and a future career.
DiSE offers aspiring boxers aged 16 to 19 the chance to train full-time in boxing while also studying full-time to gain qualifications that will benefit them outside of the ring.
You can study DiSE over two years alongside your school or College main study programme and is delivered by highly-qualified and experienced England Boxing coaches.
There are six hubs offering the programme across the country: Gateshead College (North East), the Joe Gallagher Academy, Manchester (North West), University College, Birmingham (Midlands), SGS College, Bristol (South West), The Spotlight Centre (London) and Greater Brighton Metropolitan College (South).
To find out more about each one, contact the coach for each one, or apply, click here.
