Exam results have just been released for A-Level and GCSE students and with the state of this country at the moment i.e. students leaving and not being able to find work etc, ithought i would offer my experience and advice for anybody who is around the 18-23 year old bracket and is thinking of going to University but is also good at a certain sport.
After leaving school with 8 GCSE'S and just 3 AS levels i decided i didnt want to go to University. So i decided to go off to work. Then, when hearing the tales of friends at university i thought 'ill have abit of that' but sadly didnt have near enough UCAS points. I was playing football for Dartford U18's at the time and was also palying for the reserves. A first-team player had just returned from America where he went to University but had his tuition and housing paid for as he represented the Uni at 'Soccer'. So, after abit of research i joined an agency (for around £300) and they promoted me to University's and their soccer coaches. I had some contact with a few coaches and one in particular really liked me. He was from Ipswich originally and back in England to see his parents for Christmas. Fortunately i had a game away to Histon during that time and he came to watch. After the game he said he would be in touch and offered me a % scholarship meaning i would pay around 4k per year, close to what UK students pay.
I wont ramble on but essentially, i spent 3 years in the US, obtained a degree in Geography and played 'soccer' at a very competetive level, travelled across the country and met some amazing people. One of my ex team-mates, also from the UK, is now coaching out there as a full time job (earning great money).
Im sure alot of people have relatives or friends that are considering their options at the moment, so i thought i would just throw a suggestion into the hat. I cannot justify how good a time i had and highly recomend it.
Please ask if you want any further info as it can be a very complex procedure. Hope i havent bored anybody!! :)
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Seems to love it.
A number of Brits have been part of the top teams' recruiting classes this year, like James Belshaw at Duke University; Ryan Robb at Marquette; and Robert Hoyle at the University of California Santa Barbara.
There are obviously many more who play for colleges that are not as competitive and that is an important thing to bear in mind: the sheer number of universities and colleges that field competitive teams (and in all divisions -- as college sports are split into divisions depending on a number of factors) means that it should be possible to find someplace -- even if its surrounded by corn fields in Nebraska -- to get an inexpensive (free) education if you have above-average competence at the sport.
Level of play seems to improve, if only incrementally, each year, as does the skill of the players.
My mate said that 20 years ago when he went, the problem is not a lack of talent but a lack of places for them to continue playing once their college career is over. There just isn't the infrastructure that exists in countries like ours regarding football. They also come out of college aged 22 and as crazy at it seems may have missed the boat on the pro scene, they are a few years behind the european youngsters.
Brilliant opportunity though to experience a different culture and get a great education while playing football.
100% agree. Always wondered what if we had the same sort of competitive level at our university's. Players that dont make the grade will at least have an education behind them, and lower league teams would be able to pick up a few players, almost like a draft in the US.
The Uni will then give you all forms that need completing, ie Visa's. This can become complicated, but American colleges are so organised they are only an email or call away to help.
Ultimately, you only really need an agency to do the promotion side of it all.
i went to http://www.rockathletics.com/index.aspx?tab=soccer&path=msoc and highly recommend it. The Coach is superb and the facilities outstanding.
Whisper me if you need anymore info and ill be more than happy to help.
At the time my mate was over there I was playing non-league and I couldn't believe the facilities they had there compared to here. The floodlights were amazing something a League 2 side might have. They had gym facilities that put my current overpriced London gym to shame. And he only went to a smallish school. I think I came back and had a midweek game down at Sittingbourne, could hardly see the ball under those lights!
Gary sounds like you should start your own agency?
Yeah the stadiums and floodlights etc are amazing. The best part for me though was being treated like a pro. Training everyday, rub downs from physio's, tracksuits, the team eating together, flights to games and staying in hotels. Good times.
This is something that I think we are also improving on. Although there has been recent turmoil with our lower leagues that threaten their future existence, we now have three established professional divisions and a developmental league. We are season ticket holders for two third division teams, including Crystal Palace's American affiliate, and enjoy the games. Perhaps there is some hope for opportunity for quality players here. However, outside of shots in this country, I am heartened by the number of American footballers who try their luck in foreign leagues -- particularly in Asia.