American Scholarships - A guide for players, parents and guardians For entry in 2021
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
lfe.org.uk American Scholarships A guide for players, parents and guardians For entry in 2021
Contents
3 Foreword 13 Entry Requirements
4 Soccer Scholarship Journey 13 Overview – The SAT Test
13 Overview – The ACT Test
5 Studying in the USA
13 Study Material
5 Thinking about studying in the USA?
14 SAT and ACT Dates
6 Why study in the USA?
14 SAT Scores
7 What course should I choose?
14 ACT Scores
8 Eligibility
15 Sports Scholarships
8 Are you eligible to study in the USA?
15 Overview
9 Admissions Criteria
17 How to get a Scholarship
9 Football Representation
19 First Point USA
10 Academic Performance
10 GCSEs and A-Level Results Converter 21 LFE Event Cycle
11 NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA 22 PFA Charity Grants
12 Professional/Apprentice Eligibility 23 Stories from the States
30 Useful Contacts
2 American Scholarships lfe.org.uk
Foreword
Welcome to the guide to American Scholarships.
The purpose of this booklet is to offer practical
and independent advice to current and former
apprentice footballers who are considering
taking up a soccer scholarship to study in
The United States of America.
In recent seasons a growing number of apprentices have taken
advantage of the opportunity to start scholarships in America.
This booklet is designed to help you understand the background
and process involved in obtaining a scholarship. It should also
help you evaluate whether this is the right option for you.
LFE is aware that the eligibility criteria regularly changes
which can sometimes cause difficulty for players to access
this opportunity. However, we are seeing a consistently high
number of apprentices making the transition and you can
consider this option as a realistic possibility.
We hope this booklet provides you with much of the
information that will assist you in pursuing your ambition to
start university life in the United States. If you require any
further guidance, please feel free to contact our Transition
Officer on 01772 326875.
Sarah Stephen
Chief Executive
3 American Scholarships lfe.org.uk
Soccer Scholarship Journey
1 Eligibility Check 5 Highlighting your talent
It is important to understand whether you Contact coaches on your shortlist and
are eligible to study and compete at USA send out your CV and covering letter
University level before you take any of the that explains both your academic and
below steps. Read the ‘Eligibility’ section soccer playing abilities in terms that they
on page 8 in this guide and/or call LFE’s understand.
Transition team on 01772 326874.
6 Using the Web for your advantage
2 Research Individualise and strengthen your CV by
Investigate which Universities and Colleges offering coaches access to footage of you
offer Men’s Soccer at Varsity level at in action.
www.ncaa.org, www.naia.org and
www.njcaa.org 7 Initial Eligibility Clearing House (IECH)
Register with the appropriate IECH
Then check out who offers scholarships in i.e. NCAA, NAIA to show prospective
Men’s Soccer by visiting individual University colleges/universities that you are eligible to
and College athletic department web pages. study at their institution.
3 USA University Entrance Exam 8 Visa
Register for and sit the SAT or ACT Test. Once you have been offered a place your
Remember to take advantage of the tips College/University will issue you with
and test preparation information available an I-20 form (The document you need
via www.collegeboard.org, www.act.org to apply for is an F-1 student visa) and
and www.fulbright.org.uk guidance on applying for a Visa.
4 Making your Selection 9 Your new Journey begins
Obtain contact details for coaches at Once your Visa application has been
universities and colleges which offer approved book your flights and head
soccer scholarships and match this list across the pond to start your new life
against institutions that you feel can help as a scholar in the United States.
you fulfil your academic and personal
aspirations. Then draw up your shortlist,
i.e. make sure that the institutions to
which you are going to apply offer a
course you will want to major in.
4 American Scholarships lfe.org.uk
Studying in the USA Thinking about studying for a degree in the USA? You may now be starting to think for the first time about playing elite-level football in a different country and developing yourself as more than a footballer. This process in itself can be quite exciting as well as daunting. If you are considering going to University and playing football in The United States of America, it is important to explore the cultural differences that you may encounter and how studying in the USA fits within your long term personal development and career aims. When deciding what degree you would prefer to do, take the opportunity to see what career possibilities could follow from the subject you are interested in. 5 American Scholarships lfe.org.uk
Studying in the USA
Why study in the USA? 4 Have the flexibility to explore your
academic interests
Interested in heading to the USA to study? Generally speaking, the undergraduate
You’re in good company. Last year, over 10,000 curriculum in the US is quite flexible. It is
UK students chose the USA for undergraduate perfectly acceptable to be undecided about
study because it will allow you to: your major or field of study when applying
1 Choose from the wide range of to university. US universities teach under
universities on offer what is called the ‘liberal arts philosophy’.
There are over 4,500 US universities This means students take classes from
offering undergraduate degrees. a variety of subjects during the first 1–2
years of university study before specialising
2 Take advantage of funding opportunities in their major field. Students also have
Many students are able to fund their the option to complete a ‘double major’,
studies through scholarships from US degrees in two academic fields, which are
universities and external funding bodies. often completed within the normal four
Every year over 600 US universities years of study. Students may also earn a
offer international students scholarships minor qualification, which is awarded upon
of $20,000 or more. Scholarships can completing 3–5 classes in one field.
be offered on merit, financial need and
extracurricular achievement but you will 5 Internationalise and strengthen your CV
most likely be seeking a scholarship which When the Council for Industry and Higher
will be offered in recognition of your Education (CIHE) surveyed 230 major UK
ability to play soccer. recruiters, 65% of employers favoured
applicants with overseas work experience.
3 Experience American college life International students in the US have
US universities are known for their the opportunity to gain work experience
vibrant campus life, marked by a plethora during their studies and to work in the US
of opportunities for students to get for up to one year after graduation on the
involved on campus and in the community. Optional Practical Training scheme.
There are literally hundreds of student
organisations, athletic and campus events 6 Travel in the US and learn about
that allow students to pursue their another culture
interests in the arts, sport, leadership, The US spans six time zones and has a
voluntary service and more, all whilst great diversity in geography and culture.
getting their college degree. Long university summer holidays and
programmes organised by the international
students office, such as holiday trips and
host family schemes, offer students a great
opportunity to see the US.
6 American Scholarships lfe.org.uk
Studying in the USA What course should I choose? At University in the USA, your ‘major’ is the In your second year as a Sophomore, you will main academic subject that you will study on complete the core curriculum and advance your degree. It is your field of specialisation in some subjects to the next level. At this during your undergraduate studies. You will point if you have decided on a major subject also be required to study a core curriculum. you may begin taking classes specific to Therefore, unlike the UK system in your that subject. However, you are not required first year (Freshman) you will be required to to formally declare a major until your third study a compulsory core curriculum, which (Junior) year. may include Mathematics, Science, English, Your third year or Junior year should see History, Logic and Philosophy, but which also you commence the advanced coursework allows you to choose electives in subjects for your major, which will see you build up that interest you. This is also your chance to your fourth (Senior) year where you will to take introductory courses in what you complete your undergraduate study and hope will become your main subject of study take your final exams. (known as your major). 7 American Scholarships lfe.org.uk
Eligibility
Are you eligible to study in the USA?
Athletic associations govern college sports and set rules regarding scholarships and athletic
recruitment. There are a number of associations that colleges or universities can join, most notably:
ational Collegiate Athletic
N Junior colleges act as a good entry point
Association (NCAA) to the US collegiate system. They can help
There are over 1200 member players without sufficient grades to study in
universities and colleges classified the USA prior to gaining entry to a NCAA/
within three NCAA divisions NAIA school.
(Divisions I and II being the most
competitive). Athletic standards are Students hoping to be considered for a sports
high and the level of competition scholarship must meet normal university/
is intense. Only students with the college entrance requirements (published on
very highest standard of ability the university admissions page) and continue
tend to be recruited. to obtain satisfactory grades at university in
(www.ncaa.org) order to receive and retain their scholarships.
As a guideline, various sporting authorities
ational Association of
N have set their own minimum academic
Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) requirements for competing students.
There are around 350, mostly
smaller colleges in the NAIA,
organised by districts. Many NAIA
colleges have excellent sports
programmes and may offer some
sports scholarships. The level of
athletic ability is still high, although
the standard is not set as high as
for NCAA Division I teams.
(www.naia.org)
ational Junior College Athletic
N
Association (NJCAA)
Member colleges are accredited
two-year institutions. The NJCAA
is comprised of two divisions.
Division I colleges may offer full
scholarships, whereas Division III
do not offer scholarships.
(www.njcaa.org)
8 American Scholarships lfe.org.uk
Eligibility Admissions Criteria As a general rule, US universities will expect to see a similar type of qualification and results as British universities of a similar level of prestige and competitiveness. As a minimum requirement for four- year Bachelor’s degrees, you should have completed at least five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above (or five Scottish Standard Grades), including English and Maths, plus be completing or have completed a post age 16 qualification. A small number of high ranking academic universities will require A-Levels for entry. Students aspiring to very high academic universities are recommended to research their individual requirements. If you have completed your BTEC during your NVQ during your apprenticeship, you are eligible to apply to almost all NCAA universities. However, certain universities in the states will prefer those that have completed their extended diploma. Call LFE’s Transition team on 01772 326874 for more details on this. Football Representation Signing an agreement with an agency or agent to represent you and support your football career can result in loss of eligibility for entering a scholarship in the USA. You should consider this before entering into any agreement and if you seek advice or guidance relating to representation then you should contact The PFA on 0161 236 0575. 9 American Scholarships lfe.org.uk
Eligibility
Academic Performance
Your academic abilities will be evaluated in
the first instance by your GCSE results and or
your predicted A-Level/BTEC results.
However, your academic aptitude will also
be assessed through your performance on
admissions tests. Admissions tests are used
as a common denominator to compare
applications from different US states (there is
no national curriculum) and different countries.
The stronger your academic record inside
the classroom and on standardised tests, the
stronger your chances of admission. If you
have done particularly well in your previous
study, you may be awarded advanced
standing by the US university you attend.
However, academic achievements alone will
not guarantee entrance to competitive US
university programmes.
Unfortunately, there is not an official grade
conversion between US and UK marks. Instead,
US university admissions officers either
evaluate international credentials internally or
require that students use an external credential GCSEs and A-Level
evaluator. On the right-hand side is a chart Results Converter
displaying approximate grade conversions that
may be useful in determining competitiveness UK Numerical US Letter US Grade
for admission and funding. Grade Grade Point Average
American universities may use this Grade 7, 8, 9 A 4.0
Point Average to help them form an opinion
of an applicant’s academic strength. Please 5 or 6 B 3.0
note, if you are applying to go to the US,
Fulbright does not recommend converting 4 C 2.0
your UK grades in to US scores on your
1, 2 or 3 D 0
application. Your UK results should be
submitted in their original format.
10 American Scholarships lfe.org.ukEligibility National Collegiate National Association National Junior Athletic Association of Intercollegiate College Athletic (NCAA) Athletics (NAIA) Association (NJCAA) • Five or more core A ‘4’ grade average overall Talented individuals who do academic subject passes in GCSE subjects, Scottish not qualify for either of the at GCSE grades 9-4 or Standards, or an alternative above may be able to gain Scottish Standard grades qualification, such as Level admission to a junior college. 1-6, including maths, 2 Diploma, if the school Each college will set its own English, science and social authorities can confirm your entrance requirements. studies (history, geography marks were in the ‘Top Half’ NJCAA colleges in general etc.) with an overall of the class. do not have a minimum average of grade 5. You should aim for a passing score for the SAT • The NCAA applies a sliding minimum score of 18 on although individual colleges scale for the minimum SAT the ACT or 970 on the may set one. scores that are required SAT to compete at a NAIA Once enrolled at an NJCAA for acceptance to NCAA institution. institution, athletes must Division I colleges. This will If you take the SAT more maintain a 2.0 GPA to stay depend on your average than once, scores cannot eligible. academic grade. The higher be combined. Colleges will your average academic only look at your highest test grade is, the lower the score. minimum SAT score required. The higher your average academic grade is, the lower the minimum SAT score required. 11 American Scholarships lfe.org.uk
Eligibility Professional/Apprentice Eligibility If looking to attend an NCAA governed It is important to seek advice about the above University and you have been a professional because eligibility is complicated and should footballer then you could still be eligible. not be assumed. However, spending more than a year out of All entries to Universities/Colleges will go formal education or earning wages/bonuses through to the governing body’s clearing above the set threshold will make you house who will determine your eligibility. ineligible. Each application is dealt with on an individual Completing your BTEC ensures you are basis and not always uniformly. As such there eligible to go to university in America without have been cases where some players have ‘topping up’ your education. received bans restricting their ability to play As long as you do not receive more than the for their University soccer team. financial threshold playing for a football club In addition in certain cases bans have been in that gap year then you should retain your imposed on some former apprentices but not eligiblity. others that are in attendance at the same Please note, if you continue formal education University. after your Apprenticeship then this may All former apprentices should note that extend the deadline for you to start US NCAA Universities/Colleges apply stricter University. criteria to entry in to their programmes. 12 American Scholarships lfe.org.uk
Entry Requirements
Overview – The SAT Test Overview – The ACT Test
The SAT Test, also known as SAT Reasoning The ACT test is another standardised test
Test, is a standardised test for college for college admissions in the USA. You can
admissions in the USA. The SAT is owned, undertake this test instead of the SAT if you
published, and developed by the College preferred, as both are equally reputable.
Board, a non-profit organisation in the USA. The cost to register for the ACT Test is $150.
The College Board claims the test can assess
a student’s readiness for college. To book onto an ACT Test, or to learn more
about the ACT, please visit www.act.org
The current SAT test consists of two main
sections (Math and Evidence-Based Reading Study Material
and Writing), whilst there is also an optional
www.KhanAcademy.org/SAT
essay which a small number of universities
is the college board recommended study
may also require.
material.
The cost to register for the SAT Reasoning
Test is $117 including essay.
To register an account and book your seat
for a test please visit www.collegeboard.org
Please note: Testing of English as a second language may
also be required for apprentices who do not consider
English to be their first language. In addition, the test
often require candidates to use American spellings,
language and grammar.
13 American Scholarships lfe.org.ukEntry Requirements
SAT and ACT Dates SAT Scores
SAT and ACT Reasoning Tests are run at a SAT consists of two major sections, with each
variety of centres across the country. There is section receiving a score on the scale of 200-
generally a requirement to pre-register for these 800. This means that your overall SAT score
tests at least six weeks prior to the test date: could range between 400-1600 points.
SAT Test Dates: ACT Scores
3rd October 2020 ACT consists of two major sections. A
(register by 4th September 2020) student’s composite ACT score is the average
5th December 2020 of the student’s scaled scores in four multiple-
(register by 5th November 2020) choice test sections, with 36 being the
highest possible score, while the writing test
13th March 2021
score ranges from 1 to 36.
(register by 12th February 2021)
It is possible to register for the SAT or ACT Tests after the
8th May 2021 registration deadlines have passed. Specific terms can be
(register by 8th April 2021) found on the SAT/ACT website.
ACT Test Dates:
9th or 10th October 2020
(register by 18 September 2020)
16th or 17th April 2021
(register by 26th March 2021)
11th or 12th June 2021
(register by 21st May 2021)
16th or 17th July 2021
(register by 25 June 2021)
To find your nearest venue, contact LFE’s
support partner FirstPoint USA. Visit their
website to start your free application -
www.firstpointusa.com/partner/
league-football-education Learn more about
FirstPoint on pages 19 and 20.
14 American Scholarships lfe.org.ukSports Scholarships
Overview
The process by which you could be
considered for a sport scholarship can be
a lengthy and complicated one. Unlike
academic scholarships where you would
simply submit an application indicating an
interest in receiving funding to study at a
university, students must engage in a highly-
regulated recruitment process (please see
below for further details).
Sport scholarships are granted by the
university or athletics association in which a
university participates with athletic directors
or coaches playing a central role in decision
making.
Scholarships can be awarded for a number of
different sports, including: American Football,
Athletics, Baseball, Basketball, Rowing, Golf,
Gymnastics, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Swimming,
Tennis and Football or as it is more commonly
named in the US, Soccer.
Scholarships are provided on a yearly basis,
generally renewable for four years which is
the normal time required to complete a US
undergraduate degree.
If you enter university with transfer credit
or advanced standing, you will still be
considered a first-year student for sports
scholarship purposes.
Award amounts vary and can be anywhere
from a few thousand dollars to $50,000 for
one academic year. It is very important to
keep in mind that sport scholarships do not
necessarily cover the full cost of tuition and
maintenance.
15 American Scholarships lfe.org.ukSports Scholarships
Overview (continued)
Scholarships are often offered on a
percentage basis (i.e. a 75% scholarship will
cover 75% of the total cost of tuition fees
for one year), and universities have strict
limits on the total amount they can award
For more information on funding
each year. Therefore, a university may split
a small number of large awards into a larger options, please visit Undergraduate
number of lesser-value awards. For example, Study in the US - Finances section
a university that has three 100% scholarships on www.fulbright.org.uk or
to offer per year may split them up to award www.khanacademy.org
six 50% scholarships to twice the number of
student-athletes.
Importantly, whilst playing for a college team Coupled with the fact that their coaches may
a scholarship can pay for the cost of earning have contacts within university programmes
an undergraduate degree, you do not attend and university scouts may be tracking their
university solely to play your sport. Students progress in the news or at competitions,
with sports scholarships must be working engaging in the recruitment process to
toward an undergraduate degree (in any field pursue their sport at the collegiate level
offered by the university). can be somewhat more straightforward,
and will certainly start earlier, than for an
There are a wide range of courses available, international athlete.
including those with a sport focus, such
as exercise science, physical therapy, However, every year talented international
administration, marketing, etc. For more students are successful in receiving
information about choosing, applying for and scholarships in a variety of sports at a
other funding opportunities related to US wide range of US universities every year.
universities, please visit www.fulbright.org.uk The important thing to remember is,
or www.khanacademy.org whichever avenue you choose to take in the
recruitment process, is that the earlier you
High school student-athletes in the US are start and the more time you put in, the more
somewhat at an advantage to international likely you are to achieve your goal.
students hoping to obtain a sport scholarship
as they will have had some level of exposure
to college and university coaches at local,
regional and national competitions.
16 American Scholarships lfe.org.ukSports Scholarships
How to get a Scholarship
The DIY Scholarship
Although it may be preferable to receive 3
Compile a list of contact information for
expert support when seeking a US the coaches at each university in which
Scholarship, the ‘do-it-yourself’ approach is you are interested.
a viable option. To get started, you may wish 4
Draft a CV that includes, academic,
to follow the steps outlined below: personal and football accomplishments.
1
Visit the NCAA website (www.ncaa.org), Be sure to include teams played for,
or one of the other athletic associations number of years, tournament/league
mentioned earlier, to view both the list results and or records held. You can
of universities offering your sport at the request a template of this type of CV
varsity level and the eligibility rules for from LFE’s Anthony Cato via email:
being considered for a sport scholarship acato@lfe.org.uk
at their member universities. Determine 5
Write a letter/personal statement to the
whether you meet the eligibility criteria relevant coach at each institution that
and make a list of universities to explains both your academic and athletic
consider. abilities in terms that can be identified
2
After identifying which universities by him or her (this is where the CV
offer your sport, you should then do comes in as an easy reference tool for
some research into whether or not athletic accomplishments).
that institution provides scholarships 6
You may want to include a link to
for athletes and what the criteria for online video footage and a reference
selection are, both of which should from a current or former coach in your
be readily available on the athletic correspondence with university coaches.
department’s webpage for each (Make sure to provide the name and
university. At this point, it is also very status of the coach providing the
important to do some research into the reference in your cover letter).
qualifications and reputation of each
coach as you want to ensure that you 7
Register with the appropriate Eligibility
will be well-supported and receive good Center. This is an agency that
training within your sport during your provides initial eligibility certification
four years at university. for prospective athletes, but is not a
placement agency. It provides initial
You may also wish to consider other eligibility certification results to
factors that are important in choosing a colleges/universities that request the
university to help narrow down your list. information.
17 American Scholarships lfe.org.ukSports Scholarships
The DIY Scholarship (continued) Sports Scholarship Agencies
8
With luck, you should receive responses The second option is to work with a sport
from universities within a few weeks. scholarship agency or placement service to
Some may invite you to submit a video connect with US universities actively seeking
of you participating in your sport, others international student athletes and offering
may send a recruiter to see you in action scholarships. These organisations will charge
for your club or invite you to visit their a fee for their assistance, but generally offer
university. a comprehensive service that can make
9
Receiving notice of a coach’s interest in navigating the often complicated recruitment
you is a great start, but you still need to process clearer.
apply for admissions to the university Students that choose to use an agency
through the same channels as other typically view paying their fee as an
students. So you will need to register for investment in their expertise and university
and sit the SAT exam, as well as submit contacts. However, this does not always
all required application materials by the guarantee a scholarship offer.
deadlines set by each institution. Please note, LFE has an exclusive agreement
10
Throughout the process, keep in mind with FirstPoint USA, who provide a free
that students who are interested in support service for all LFE apprentices.
pursuing sport at the varsity level in More information about this can be found
university should focus on the recruiting on page 19.
process towards becoming a university
athlete rather than a quest for funding Other additional costs and things to
through a sports scholarship. Sports consider are:
scholarships are often offered only late • international medical insurance
in the recruiting process. • travel and accommodation costs
This includes the Ivy League and • tuition fees and the level of scholarship
all NCAA Division III universities. offered
Additionally, because receiving a sport
scholarship is extremely competitive, • your eligibility
you will also want to look into other • which institution you are offered a place at
sources of funding and have fall
• US Visa
back options for your undergraduate
education, should you not receive
a scholarship from the universities
you’ve selected, or choose to attend
a university that cannot offer a sport
scholarship.
18 American Scholarships lfe.org.ukLFE has joined forces with FirstPoint USA to offer a free US Scholarship pathway for apprentices. The exclusive partnership creates the A further endorsement of FirstPoint’s opportunity for young footballers to access credentials is the fact that they are certified the student-athlete option in the States at by the NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA and the AIRC no cost, using the expertise of FirstPoint’s (American International Recruitment experienced consultants. Council), to create academic and sporting Founded in 2001, with support from the opportunities for international student- Prince’s Trust and now part of the UCFB athletes. Group, FirstPoint assist 80,000 prospective All of their 75-strong team – working from students and student-athletes each year, offices in London, Manchester, Glasgow, whilst working directly with more than 2,500 Shanghai, Dubai and Melbourne – are of the best US colleges and universities. graduates of US institutions, academic Over the past 20 years, they have sent experts and former collegiate athletes, thousands of young UK footballers to the meaning they can offer advice with the States, providing a life-changing opportunity benefit of their own experiences. and both the academic and sporting platform to fulfil their potential. The agency has introduced a new digital platform – accessible via their website – to allow all prospective scholar-athletes the opportunity to assess their options and engage with institutions and coaches at the touch of a button and no cost. 19 American Scholarships lfe.org.uk
The process Key people
LFE apprentices who are interested in a Andrew Kean
USA soccer scholarship should take the Chief Executive and Founder of FirstPoint
following steps: USA, Andrew Kean earned a soccer
1 Visit www.firstpointusa.com/partner/ scholarship to the University of Cincinnati
league-football-education and became the programme’s first All-
2 Click ‘Athletes Start Here’ and create American award winner in their history.
your profile. During his four years at the University of
Cincinnati, Andrew was named Conference
3 Once created, you will receive a USA ‘Defensive Player of the Year’,
message on the platform from one of Conference USA ‘All-Conference 1st Team’,
FirstPoint’s sports consultants. a two-time NSCAA All-American, the Ohio
4 Book in a call with your sports ‘Player of the Year’, NSCAA All-Region,
consultant to learn more about the and the Cincinnati Bearcats ‘Player of the
opportunity. Year’. He pursued an undergraduate degree
5 Once you have had a discussion and in Nutrition and Physiology whilst at the
decided to officially join the FirstPoint University of Cincinnati. Upon his return to
USA programme, you will be allocated the UK, he set up FirstPoint USA in 2001.
a dedicated talent management Chris McManus
consultant.
Chris attended the Clayton State University
6 The talent management consultant will on a golf scholarship from 2010-2013.
set up an introduction call and begin to He represented the Lakers and won most
plan your journey to the US. valuable player in his sophomore year,
playing in all 25 events and completing his
degree in business marketing.
Chris is now Strategic Partnership Manager
at FirstPoint USA and is the primary contact
for all LFE scholarship enquiries.
You can contact Chris by email via
chris.mcmanus@firstpointusa.com
20 American Scholarships lfe.org.ukLFE Event Cycle
OCT NOV
Register before
5th November
for December
DE
P
SAT Test
SE
C
LFE
USA Guide Opportunity to
published on sit SAT Test
lfe.org.uk
YEAR ROUND
AUG
JAN
Assessment days
EFL club visits
and presentations
Regional seminars for
interested apprentices
Visits/consultation with
Opportunity to
players and parents’ sit ACT Test
FEB
JUL
FirstPoint USA tour
Opportunity to Opportunity to
sit ACT Test sit SAT Test
AR
JU
Opportunity to Opportunity to
M
N
sit SAT Test sit ACT Test
MAY APR
21 American Scholarships lfe.org.ukPFA Charity Grants The PFA provide grant aid for a variety of courses to help all members and ex-members of The PFA prepare for a second career. Members studying at University outside the UK can receive a £1,250 bursary per year of study. You will need to apply for this bursary at the start of the academic year by contacting Pat Lally (Director of Education) or Oshor Williams (Assistant Director of Education) at PFA Education. Tel: 0161 236 0637 Email: education@thepfa.co.uk PFA Education 11 Oxford Court Bishopsgate Manchester M2 3WQ 22 American Scholarships lfe.org.uk
Stories from the States
Dan Bent
Former club: Gillingham
U.S. College: Wright State University
In the space of three years,
Dan Bent went from being
released by Gillingham at the end
of his apprenticeship to being
listed as the 84th best college
player in the country and second
in the Horizon League conference
by Top Drawer Soccer.
He embarked on a soccer scholarship at Bent’s ambition to maximise his potential
Reinhardt University in Georgia and led to him transferring to Wright State
has enjoyed a stellar stay in the States. University after his freshman year, where he
“I was always prepared for an alternative has flourished on the pitch.
option,” Bent told LFE. “Initially, I was He said: “My first school was small, only
disappointed when I knew I wasn’t going around 3,000 students. Moving to Wright
to get a contract, but having other options State, with a bigger campus and over 18,000
meant I did not dwell on it and instead I students, was a big change. But the life of a
already had a new pathway to look forward student athlete is great. You wake up, have
to. Naturally, I had some fears, but I knew it your classes in the morning, practice in the
would be a great option for me to continue afternoon and relax at night.
my career. “The standard on the pitch is very high, with
“It’s not much different to being an apprentice players from all over the world sharing the
back home, except for the fact that you’re same goal. I’ve played with and against
a student first and a player second. The first players who came from Premier League
few weeks were tiring as you try to adjust to clubs and players who have played at the top
the schedule of classes and practices, but it tier in their country.
quickly becomes the norm.”
23 American Scholarships lfe.org.ukStories from the States
“Just like back home, every team has its having played full-time football, but also
identity, whether they are a long ball style there is the opportunity to progress my
team or a possession-based team. It can career and become a professional.”
depend on the school you’re at but many Bent has not restricted his efforts to the
schools over here could give teams a test playing aspect, becoming one of 99 Wright
back home.” State student athletes to be placed on the
The 6ft 1in centre-back has been a major 2018 Spring Horizon League Academic
success in Ohio, contributing to Wright State Honor Roll to celebrate achievements in the
Raiders’ first ever Horizon League regular classroom.
season title and earning multiple individual “I wanted to try my best and really apply
accolades, including being named to the myself academically,” said Bent.
First Team All-Horizon League, Second Team
“Over the past couple of years, I think it has
Great Lakes Region Team and First Team All-
helped me become much more confident on
Ohio Team, as well as receiving the Horizon
and off the pitch.
League Defensive Player of the Year award.
“In many classes you have to speak in crowds
And his hopes of an extended playing career and do presentations, so you are able to
have been boosted by a successful stint in transfer that confidence into your football,
the Professional Development League for whether that is speaking to the team or
South Carolina United Bantams, plus seeing doing interviews. Majoring in Organizational
three of his former Raiders team-mates get Leadership will allow me to hopefully pursue
drafted by Major League Soccer clubs New a career in coaching.
York City, Seattle Sounders and Colorado
Rapids, respectively. “If I had any advice for the current
apprentices, I would recommend the need to
Bent continued: “The PDL is a great way to be open-minded in every situation. Be your
keep yourself fit over the summer and it is own person and don’t do something because
where the majority of the best players from others wouldn’t.
college play. Testing myself against the best
is always fun as I know the benchmark of “Be the best person you can be on and off
where I am at and where I need to be. the pitch as you never know who you might
meet or bump into. Don’t feel that because
“It is great to have players before me with
things did not turn out how you wanted
so much talent get drafted. I am able to see
to, that it is the end. It is just the beginning.
what needs to be done and learn from their
There are so many ways to still play and
mistakes. It gives me great inspiration.
enjoy the game more than ever.”
“That’s the great part about the US, as not
only will I come away with an education
24 American Scholarships lfe.org.ukStories from the States
Javen Palmer
Former club: Crystal Palace
U.S. College: Georgia State University
The idea of going to the USA and playing
full-time football, in addition to getting a
degree, just made perfect sense to me.”
The student-athlete lifestyle means there
is a strong emphasis on education. Palmer
embraced his classroom responsibilities,
earning a place on the Dean’s List and twice
on the President’s List at Georgia State,
which celebrate high academic performance.
“I’d say to any apprentice to make sure they
are doing their best, even if it isn’t what they
necessarily want to focus on,” he said. “You
need to put yourself in the best position and
it is important to have good grades when
Having been released by Crystal Palace in you decide you are going to go to America.
2014, Javen Palmer spent six months on trial “There is a lot of work to do, but once you get
at various clubs before deciding to take on to grips with the time management aspect
the challenge of a Soccer Scholarship in the of it, it becomes easier to handle. Once you
USA at Farleigh Dickinson University in New learn about how to format essays and how
Jersey, he then transferred to the renowned to answer test questions, it becomes second
Georgia State University for his final two nature.
years.
“My major is in Sports Administration, which
“I had been at Palace from the age of 8, so I encompasses the whole sports industry
had never really faced any rejection before,” really.
he told LFE. “It was definitely a difficult time.
“You learn about the business side and the
I wasn’t sure what was next but I felt that as
coaching side. It covers contract laws, sports
one door closes another opens.
marketing, sports finance, event planning,
“A former coach of mine had mentioned event management and many other subjects.
America as a possibility. I didn’t decide until
“Some people may find it harder than others,
around September, having recovered from
but education is always in your control.
a torn meniscus and been on a few trials at
You can control how much you study, how
some lower league teams.
prepared you are for a test, or how much
you research for an essay.”
25 American Scholarships lfe.org.ukStories from the States
Palmer has also been receptive to learning aware that they can have an identity outside
away from the classroom, using the frequent of football.
travel opportunities to explore new cultures “Four years have flown by,” he said. “The
and increase his knowledge of American opportunity to train everyday has definitely
history. made me a better player. We basically live
He added: “For the games, we do a lot of like professionals here. As a person, I’d
travelling and I have been to a lot of places say I have just become a lot more socially
on the East Coast. I’ve been to New York conscious and informed. I’ve definitely
City, Philadelphia, Rhode Island, Connecticut, grown as an individual.
Alabama, Mississippi, New Orleans and more, “Living in London can keep you inside a small
so I have managed to see places that I would bubble, so this was definitely an experience
never have envisioned. that I will look back on with fond memories.
“New Orleans was definitely the best trip that The experience has allowed me to make
I went on. I got to try the local food and got friends for life and enhance my skills and
involved in the Mardi Gras celebration. Atlanta traits, while also working on my weaknesses.
has a lot of history and Georgia as a state has “At the start of the process, all of my focus
great history with regards to the Civil Rights was on football and trying to become a
movement. Martin Luther King Jr’s home is in professional. Now that I am on the other
Atlanta and they have a museum dedicated to end of this four-year process, I now see that
him, which is really interesting. there is so much more to life after football,
“I am currently working at a non-profit and maximising that part of life is going to be
organisation called Soccer in the Streets. important.
We do great work for disadvantaged youth “I think that some young pros do not realise
in Atlanta. I help to schedule tournaments, that they have a lot of time on their hands.
handle budgets, recruit corporate sponsors Training is actually a small window of your
and handle community engagement efforts. day. Focus on your football, do extra training
“Football in America is not accessible to on your own. But when that is all done, you
everyone because the fees to play are can use your hours to better yourself in
expensive, so doing this work helps to give other ways.
children the opportunity to play the game. “Learn about another industry, don’t close
It’s also good for me as I get to interact with
yourself off to opportunities. Some lads don’t
different people, learn some administrative realise they are more than just footballers. I
skills and gain experience in a working didn’t understand that until about two years
environment.” ago. It took me to get to 21, and being out
The former Eagles apprentice admitted he of full-time football for three years, to really
has discovered the importance of developing understand that I am more than just a player.
on and off the field during his time in the Lads should explore options that will better
States and advised current apprentices to be them as individuals.”
26 American Scholarships lfe.org.ukStories from the States
Mo Adams
Former club: Derby County
U.S. College: Syracuse University
From being rejected by Derby
County, to mixing with elite
players in Major League Soccer,
Mo Adams has overcome
many obstacles to earn a
career in football.
While other Rams Academy products have “I’m a firm believer that everything happens
become established first-teamers at Pride for a reason. Nothing worth having comes
Park, Adams was forced on a different path easy and I have the mindset to use adversity
after being released by the club in 2015. as motivation.
When a prospective move to Blackburn “I remember making a LinkedIn account and
Rovers fell through due to injury, the messaging over 200 coaches in England,
tenacious midfielder turned his attention from managers to assistants to scouts, and
to the USA, pursuing a scholarship at the I didn’t get a single response. I then played
prestigious Syracuse University, which in a showcase game and received around 10
sparked his journey to the MLS. full scholarship offers to go to the States, so
“As an apprentice, you learn how to be it was nice to feel wanted again.”
disciplined and you mature as a person,” the The Brit abroad thrived in his new life in
23-year-old told LFE. “You’re working within New York, claiming numerous awards in the
a competitive environment which requires highly-regarded Atlantic Coast Conference,
resilience and mental toughness, so I was as well as being named Syracuse’s Rookie
prepared to deal with any setbacks that of the Year before donning the captain’s
came my way in America. armband in his Sophomore season.
27 American Scholarships lfe.org.ukStories from the States “When you come from England and you’ve “Over there, you’re a student first and an been in an Academy, you get a bit of athlete second,” he continued. “Coming to respect,” Adams said. “However, with the States gave me the chance to pursue that comes accountability and increased my dream of becoming a professional player expectations. They invest a lot to give you while also staying in education and having a scholarship and the way to repay that the University experience. faith was to be the best person, student and “As a student athlete, there is an player I could be. understanding that it can be tough to “I came in as a Freshman with a chip on my balance your sport and studies, so you’re shoulder and I think that mentality spread to given the luxury of having as many tutors other guys in the group. I wanted to set an as you want, who can help you with your example at all times, whether it be in training, assignments. in matches, in the classroom or just generally around campus. “You become part of a family and I was proud to represent the Orange. People are dedicated fans and pay money to watch college sport. Even at our soccer games, we’d consistently play in front of around 4,000 supporters. “A lot of our matches were nationally televised and nothing goes unnoticed because there is such extensive coverage. Every game counts. It’s very challenging and it motivates you to be competitive every day because there are rewards that will come with performing to a high standard.” Adams’ success was not just restricted to his performance on the pitch, with his “The coaches care just as much about commitment to education resulting in your education as they do about your an inclusion on the University’s Athletic performance on the field because they care Director Honor Roll, which recognises about you as a person, first and foremost.” outstanding academic accomplishments. 28 American Scholarships lfe.org.uk
Stories from the States
Despite only being halfway through his four- And he has not forgotten his academic
year course, the dream of a professional ambitions, recently restarting his studies
playing career became a reality in 2018 with help from the MLS’ partnership with
when Adams secured a Generation Adidas Southern New Hampshire University, which
contract, which allows early entry for the offers players a flexible online education.
MLS SuperDraft. “I made a commitment to complete the
Having been a free agent with his leg in a whole college experience and you have so
cast just two years earlier, Adams was on much free time as a professional athlete.
his way to link up with World Cup winner It’s important to use that time to get better
Bastian Schweinsteiger, after Chicago Fire as an individual and to also work on your
traded up to select him with the 10th pick. future,” he said.
He said: “Playing alongside one of the most “I’m learning about Sports Management at
decorated players in the world was a surreal the moment, but my long-term intention is
experience. I remember the first time I saw to get into broadcasting. I’m planning to do
him; I was pinching myself thinking it can’t a Masters degree in Digital Broadcasting
be real. I was always paired up with him in and Journalism and I’m trying to get
passing drills or patterns of play, which was more involved in media work to build my
an amazing experience. connections and experience in the industry.
“I still speak to him now – he texts me every "Coming to America has
now and again to check how I’m doing. He’s
definitely been the best decision
an unbelievable player, but he’s an even
better person and the advice and guidance
I’ve ever made. It’s given me
that he has given me has been integral in my the opportunity to become a
development since turning professional.” professional athlete, pursue a
Having spent 18 months with the Fire, degree and gain some amazing
2018 MLS Cup champions Atlanta United experiences along the way.
– managed by Dutch legend Frank de Boer –
“I’d advise players to explore options abroad
came calling for his services in July 2019.
because if you put yourself in a bubble,
Adams made an instant impact, scoring his you’ll never be able to grow. Be open to
first professional goal two minutes into his new opportunities and be willing to take
debut, while he has since made contributions risks. You could be one decision away from a
in the MLS Cup play-offs and CONCACAF totally different life.”
Champions League, as well as winning
silverware in the Campeones Cup.
29 American Scholarships lfe.org.ukUseful Contacts
College Board NCAA Eligibility Center NAIA Eligibility Center
www.collegeboard.org www.eligibilitycenter.org www.playnaia.org
Provides information tips This agency provides initial
on dates and fees, online eligibility certification for
FirstPointUSA
registration, SAT test prospective NCAA athletes. www.firstpointusa.com/
preparation etc. It provides initial eligibility partner/league-football-
certification results to education
The ACT colleges/universities that
www.actstudent.org request the information.
An alternative to the SAT test.
30 American Scholarships lfe.org.ukLeague Football Education EFL House T 01772 326870 10-12 West Cliff E info@lfe.org.uk Preston PR1 8HU lfe.org.uk
You can also read
