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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:

National Collegiate Athletic 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 National Association of 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)

National Junior College Athletic 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.uk Eligibility

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 essay which a small number of universities www.KhanAcademy.org/SAT 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.uk Entry 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.uk Sports 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.uk Sports 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.uk Sports 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 [email protected] 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.uk Sports 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.uk LFE 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 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 in Nutrition and Physiology whilst at the 5 Once you have had a discussion and 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 [email protected]

20 American Scholarships lfe.org.uk LFE Event Cycle

NOV OCT

Register before 5th November for December DEC SEP SAT Test LFE USA Guide Opportunity to published on sit SAT Test lfe.org.uk

YEAR ROUND JAN

AUG Assessment days EFL club visits and presentations Regional seminars for interested apprentices Visits/consultation with Opportunity to JUL players and parents’ sit ACT Test

FirstPoint USA tour FEB

Opportunity to Opportunity to sit ACT Test sit SAT Test

JUN Opportunity to Opportunity to sit SAT Test sit ACT Test MAR

MAY APR

21 American Scholarships lfe.org.uk PFA 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: [email protected] 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 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.uk Stories 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 clubs New a career in coaching. York City, Sounders and , 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.uk Stories 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.uk Stories 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. 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.uk Stories 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.uk Stories 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 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 – “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.uk Useful 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 FirstPointUSA on dates and fees, online eligibility certification for 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.uk League Football Education EFL House T 01772 326870 10-12 West Cliff E [email protected] Preston PR1 8HU lfe.org.uk