A Premier League education at Solent
Young footballing hopefuls are taking their first steps into new careers at Southampton Solent University, thanks to an innovative partnership with the Premier League.
Every year hundreds of youngsters join Premier League club academies with the dream of playing professionally, but not all will make it at a top club.
The Premier League is keen to support those seeking alternative career paths. As part of this important initiative, they are working with a selection of UK universities to help provide higher education opportunities for young players who have the necessary qualifications.
"Solent’s excellent academic provision, FA accredited sports ground and extensive football industry links have been key in deciding to ask them to be part of this important initiative," says Mark Scarbrow, Premier League Careers Advisor.
The first cohort of former academy footballers, partly funded by the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) and the university, began their full-time studies this October.
Young players whose professional careers at Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Stoke and Queens Park Rangers have come to an end, are swapping their boots for books as they begin courses ranging from BA (Hons) Sport Studies to BA (Hons) Business Management.
As well as spending time on the bench in lecture theatres, the new recruits are also spending time on the pitch playing for Team Solent, which is already doing well in the semi-professional Sydenhams League (Wessex).
Sam Byles, previously an Arsenal Football Club youth and England under 16s player is now studying BA (Hons) Sport Studies, he says: “The scheme has given us the chance of a second career after playing football. We can now think towards our future and further our education here.”
Jesse Waller-Lassen, former Tottenham Hotspur youth team player added: “I’m really enjoying my time at university; I’m doing a foundation degree which is a great introduction into higher education for me.”
Dominic Cunliffe, Head Football Coach at Solent University adds: “We're proud that all of our efforts to facilitate other areas of player development are being recognised at the top level of football.”
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9040 or press.office@solent.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
-Sam Byles is a former Arsenal youth and England Under 16s player.
-Tobi Adekunle is a former Queens Park Rangers youth team player.
-Jesse Waller-Lassen is a former Tottenham Hotspur youth team player.
About Southampton Solent University
Southampton Solent University offers more than 23,000 students over 200 qualifications ranging from HND to PhD, in subjects such as maritime education and training, fashion and design, media and television, music, health, sport and leisure, business, IT and technology. The university was awarded the 2013 Quality Assurance kitemark for quality and standards of teaching and learning. Solent was voted one of the most creative universities in the UK in a Which? University 2013 poll of students.
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