December 2023

Being home to some of the most famous names in world football and offering a wide range of opportunities for student-athletes to compete alongside their degree, it’s no surprise to see so many passionate soccer fans wishing to experience the opportunity immersing themselves in the UK’s famous soccer culture.

Whilst all of our applicants are united in their desire to play soccer overseas, they come from all over the world; and have very different academic ambitions and preferences in terms of what they are looking for in their UK university.

Of all the applications that we receive, we have noticed that the opportunity to play as a postgraduate student-athlete has become increasing popular for former US and Canadian college soccer players.

With so many former NCAA, NAIA, USCAA and USport soccer players looking to the UK as a popular destination for their master’s degree, we break down the reasons for why they see it as a popular destination to pursue their studies.

UK University sport is regulated by different rules that allow student-athletes to compete alongside their master’s degree, regardless of how many years they represented their US or Canadian university.

The eligibility rules also do not punish gaps in education or previous professional experience, meaning student-athletes can return to play college sport with a UK university, years after completing their master’s degree.

Student-athletes in the UK have the opportunity to compete for both their UK university soccer team, as well linking up with local club teams allowing them the opportunity to play two full seasons of soccer during their year in the UK.

Whilst US college soccer is played in the Fall, the UK soccer season is much longer.

The UK university leagues run from October through to March and clubs outside of the university system follow a sporting calendar that matches the professional clubs, competing from September through until May.

When living in the UK, you will notice that soccer is a major part of people’s life. It’s regularly on the TV, people play socially throughout the week, and there are always games to attend.

With over 72 full-time professional clubs outside of the Premier League, and further semi-professional teams, there are ample opportunities to attend a variety of matches.

UK master’s degree take only 12 months to complete, making it a very efficient use of your time.

As well as saving money on living costs as you are only a student for 12 months, UK universities are also cheaper than in the United States and offer former college athletes postgraduate specific scholarships to help reduce the costs.