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The Global Institute of Sport (GIS) is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Minerva’s Virtual Academy (MVA), the world’s leading online school for elite athletes. This collaboration provides MVA students with a unique pathway to study a sports degree at GIS after completing their flexible IGCSEs and A levels, ensuring they can balance both academic and athletic ambitions seamlessly.
As part of this partnership, GIS will offer an exclusive scholarship for MVA students, further supporting talented young athletes in achieving their educational and career goals in the global sports industry.
GIS offers ground-breaking degree programmes in sports management, business, and operations, delivered online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format. Students can study entirely online, attend residentials in sports capitals such as London, Miami, and Melbourne, or opt for a combination of both. This flexible approach mirrors MVA’s innovative education model, ensuring athletes can continue excelling in their sports while earning a world-class degree.
Introducing the GIS Elite Athlete Scholarship
The GIS Elite Athlete Scholarship, in partnership with Minerva Virtual Academy, supports aspiring elite athletes in balancing their sport and education. It offers a 50% tuition fee reduction, mentorship from a sports industry leader, access to a GIS Global Sports Summit, and a GIS branded sports kit. This scholarship provides a unique opportunity for young athletes to gain the skills, experience, and connections needed for a successful career in the global sports industry.
James McKeown, Chief Operating Officer at the Global Institute of Sport, commented:
“We are delighted to partner with Minerva’s Virtual Academy to provide a clear pathway for young athletes to continue their education while pursuing their sporting ambitions.
At GIS, we understand the unique challenges faced by student-athletes, and our flexible, industry-focused degree programmes are designed to help them thrive in both sport and academics. With access to our global network, elite stadium venues, and career-driven courses, MVA students will be equipped with the knowledge, experience, and connections to succeed in the world of sport.
Additionally, we are proud to offer a dedicated scholarship to MVA students, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of future sports leaders achieving their dreams.”
Sol Rolls-Tyson, Elite Athlete Education Officer at Minerva’s Virtual Academy, added:
“We are excited to partner with the Global Institute of Sport (GIS) to offer MVA students a unique pathway to study a sports degree after completing their flexible IGCSEs and A levels. GIS provides innovative degree programmes in sports management, operations, and business, with flexible study options that fit around individual lifestyles, just like MVA.
This collaboration opens doors for our athletes to gain a world-class education and practical experience in the global sports industry, providing our students with a pathway for exciting opportunities.”
MVA has a thriving community of elite student-athletes from over 25 countries, excelling in motorsport, tennis, football, cricket, skiing, and more. The academy’s flexible learning approach allows athletes to balance their education with intensive training schedules and global competitions.
Student Testimonials from Minerva’s Virtual Academy:
Katrina (Motorsport): “Being in motorsport, the travel is intense, so it’s very important to have the flexibility that MVA provides. They allow me to pursue my sport without putting my education on hold.”
Lucas (Skiing): “MVA enables me to stay on top of my GCSE curriculum while balancing my busy ski training and alpine race schedule across Europe.”
Andrei (Tennis): “Minerva gave me back my flexibility and allowed me to focus even more on my athletic preparation and tournament schedule.”
Why Global Institute of Sport?
Ranked among the world’s best: GIS is featured in SportsBusiness Magazine’s Global Top 40 Postgraduate Programmes and ranks #3 globally for Sports Management degrees.
Global learning experience: Study online, on-campus at GIS locations in Brussels or Miami, or via residential weeks at world-class venues like Wembley Stadium, Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium, and Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Career-ready graduates: 99% of GIS graduates are employed, with 79% working in the sports industry and 97% in highly skilled roles.
This partnership ensures MVA athletes have access to top-tier education, industry networking, experiential learning, and financial support through the exclusive GIS Elite Athlete Scholarship.
