Since 2011, student-athletes have been able to combine elite-level sports participation with academic studies at Karlstad University through the Elite Sports University initiative. For some time, the programme has been in contact with Stjerneskolan in Torsby, a well-known national upper secondary sports school, particularly recognized for winter sports in northern Värmland. The relationship is now being strengthened through a formal cooperation agreement.
Potential areas of collaboration between the Elite Sports University and Stjerneskolan include research, education, teacher exchanges, and coach exchanges. The partnership may also involve development projects focused on dual careers. The purpose of the agreement is to strengthen and further develop long-term cooperation around elite sports and education for both parties, while also contributing to regional development.
“An important aspect of this collaboration is to create a clear and long-term pathway from upper secondary school to university,” says Christian Augustsson, Project Manager for the Elite Sports University at Karlstad University. “By informing students early in their upper secondary education about the opportunities offered by so-called dual careers, we aim to reduce uncertainty regarding future study and career choices. Our goal is for students to feel confident that they can continue their elite sports ambitions while pursuing higher education.”
“Torsby offers a unique elite sports environment with excellent training facilities, including a ski tunnel with a biathlon arena, a testing centre, a newly built roller-ski track, ideal training terrain, and close access to most facilities,” says Anders Larsson, Vice-Chancellor of the Stjerneskolan, Torsby Sports High School. “In addition to our National Sports Upper Secondary School (RIG) programmes in cross-country skiing and biathlon, we also offer nationally approved sports education programmes (NIU) in football, ski cross, alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking. Through our collaboration with Karlstad University, our students will have excellent opportunities to continue pursuing dual careers through both higher education and elite sport after graduation.”
“This is about long-term commitment and creating a clear pathway to higher education,” says Jerker Moodysson, Vice-Chancellor of Karlstad University. “Our goal is to create a sense of security and make the transition from upper secondary school to university as smooth as possible. The collaboration goes beyond education and includes various forms of exchange as well as joint development projects. We see significant opportunities for research through the National Research Centre for Children’s and Youth Sports. In the long term, we want to create even better conditions for dual careers, enabling elite athletes to combine sport, studies, and eventually employment without having to choose one at the expense of the others.”
Definitions
RIG (National Sports Upper Secondary School)
A nationally recruited upper secondary sports school that accepts students from all parts of Sweden.
NIU (Nationally Approved Sports Education Programme)
A nationally approved sports programme that accepts students from across the country, often with a stronger regional focus.
Further Information
Read more about the Elite Sports University.
Read more about Sports Programme at Stjerneskolan.
