Award-winning support for athletes at Ravelin Sports Centre strengthens Portsmouth’s reputation in university sport.
We’re celebrating an incredible achievement as our Senior Sports Performance and Partnerships Officer and TASS Delivery Site and Dual Career Co-ordinator, Rachel Robilliard, has been named the TASS Personal Development Practitioner of the Year.
This national award recognises individuals who go above and beyond in supporting talented athletes. Rachel plays a key role in ensuring that student-athletes at the University of Portsmouth receive the all-around support they need, both in their sporting performance and academic journey.
We’re thrilled that Rachel’s outstanding contributions have been recognised. Her dedication to advancing our partnership with TASS and establishing us as a model delivery site has been truly inspiring. Since relocating to Ravelin nearly three years ago, Rachel has single-handedly built our TASS programme from the ground up. Her commitment to our athletes and their experience is unwavering. She is a tremendous asset to both herself and the University of Portsmouth. We’re excited to see how she continues to grow this area of our service in the years ahead. Congratulations, Rachel, from all of us at UoP!
As the TASS Personal Development Practitioner, Rachel works closely with 13 athletes aged 16 and above, offering one-to-one support on everything from time management, organisation, nutrition, and goal setting, to managing injuries and stress. She also helps them prepare for key transition periods, such as transitioning into higher education, entering full-time work, or advancing to elite-level sport. Her role focuses not only on physical performance but also on empowering each athlete to thrive personally and build skills that will serve them throughout life.
I am very grateful to receive this recognition and proud that Portsmouth can be seen as a place that supports talented athletes. It is extremely rewarding to work with the athletes we have and the team of practitioners at Portsmouth. My role does not directly impact the physical side of athletes' performance, but to be part of their journey as an individual and have a positive impact on their personal development and lifestyle is a pleasure.
The TASS scheme, backed by Sport England, is designed to help athletes aged 16 and above balance the demands of their sport with education or work. As a TASS Dual Career Accredited Site, the University of Portsmouth provides not only athletic development opportunities but also dedicated academic flexibility and personal development support.
Being a Dual Career site means student-athletes have access to a range of policies and resources designed to help them succeed in both areas of their life. These include online materials, flexible deadlines, rescheduled assessments in exceptional cases, mentoring, and lifestyle workshops. All accredited sites also receive specialist training and toolkits to deliver this level of dual-career support effectively.
“Being part of the scholarship program at Portsmouth University was a game-changer for me, both professionally and personally. The support I received, especially thanks to Rachel’s and Sam’s incredible organisation and dedication to the athletes with workshops and support, gave me the foundation to continue at the highest level, even giving back now as a head national coach. Shout out to Laura from my first year of the program, too! It was more than just a program; it shaped my path and career, and, as fate would have it, even my love life (turns out scholarships are good for the heart, too).”
Simon Hall
Previous Scholar - Sailing
“Being a part of the sports scholarship program at the University of Portsmouth has been one of the most rewarding parts of my university journey. As a gymnast, the support I’ve received - including elite-level physiotherapy and strength and conditioning - has been instrumental in keeping me fit, helping me recover from injuries, and pushing me to reach new levels in my sport. It’s given me the tools and the environment I need to succeed both athletically and personally. The program has made me feel like I truly belong here at UOP. Rachel’s leadership and involvement have been incredible - she’s been a consistent source of support and is always there to guide and encourage me through every stage of my journey. I’ve absolutely loved every second of my time on the scholar program, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an amazing community.”
Dan Mock
Sports Scholar - Gymnastics
Rachel has played a central role in making this dual-career programme a reality at Portsmouth. Her work has helped foster a strong sense of community among the athletes, allowing them to learn from each other and share experiences while managing the demands of study and sport.
This success also strengthens the University’s ongoing ambition to become the top modern university in the UK and one of the top 100 young universities in the world by 2030. Our Sport Scholarship Programme plays a key role in this goal, offering access to high-quality facilities and expert support services, including strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, nutrition, sports psychology, and sports massage - all within the Ravelin Sports Centre, one of the most sustainable university sports centres in the UK.
Rachel’s award is not only a personal triumph, but it’s also a reflection of Portsmouth’s deep commitment to helping student-athletes succeed in all aspects of their lives.
Congratulations again to Rachel on this well-deserved recognition. Her passion, dedication, and impact continue to inspire not only athletes but also her colleagues - well done!
Are you looking to take your sport and education to the next level?
Our Sport Scholarship applications are currently open for registered University of Portsmouth students for the 2025/26 academic year. Applications close 27 July.