Over the last 12 months we have been inundated with applications from soccer players who wish to experience playing soccer in the UK, alongside their university education.
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.
Meet 10 former North American college athletes who we helped make the move overseas during the last year!
Ciera Lundy
The College of Saint Rose, NCAA D2
MSc Sport, Health and Exercise Science
US Graduation Date: Fall 2021
Shanie Marion
Graceland University, NAIA
MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology
US Graduation Date: Spring 2023
Danielle Borrino
Siena College, NCAA D1
MBA
US Graduation Date: Spring 2023
Lizbet Minchala
Pennsylvania State University – Beaver Campus, USCAA
MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management
US Graduation Date: Spring 2023
Zackary White
Catawba College, NCAA D2
MSc Sports Coaching
US Graduation Date: Spring 2022
Mohamad Zgheib
The American University of Beirut
MSc Business Analytics and Consultancy
US Graduation Date: Spring 2023
Jenna Horton
Bethany College, NAIA
MSc Business Psychology with Coaching
US Graduation Date: Fall 2022
Quinn Whitcomb
Doane University, NAIA
MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology
US Graduation Date: Spring 2023
Darupad Sharma
Thompson Rivers University, U Sports
MSc International Sport Management
US Graduation Date: Fall 2022
Samantha Reinhard
University of Nebraska, NCAA D1
MSc Sports Management
US Graduation Date: Spring 2018
So why is the UK such a popular destination for former 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.
Different Eligibility Rules
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.
More Playing Opportunities
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.
Longer Soccer Seasons
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.
Experience Soccer
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.
Graduate Quicker
UK master’s degree take only 12 months to complete, making it a very efficient use of your time.
Save Money
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.
Fall 2024 Recruitment is now open!
Want to connect with UK university soccer coaches and explore the possibility of competing alongside your master’s degree in 2024? Register your details for our free service via the following link to see what postgraduate opportunities we can present you.
