A FORMER student from Priestley College has secured a prestigious scholarship to help realise her goal of becoming a football coach.
Lucy Cross, who secured a triple distinction* in her Sports Coaching and Development BTEC, will receive £2,500 as part of the She Can Coach Scholarship awarded by the University Campus of Football Business.
It will also mean the 18-year-old will have bespoke experience in the sport industry including coaching, working with teams and sports development.
“It was exciting when I got the news and I almost didn’t believe it,” she said. “I think I am looking forward to the networking opportunities the most and the chance to develop as a coach.”
Lucy was the successful applicant for the Manchester Campus, another candidate was chosen from Wembley for the scholarship.
In her application she had to tell the university about her passion for football, her involvement in the sport within her community and discuss diversity.
As a part of the scholarship package the university will aim to provide her with regular mentoring sessions and require her to prepare a personal development plan as well as be actively coaching a team.
UCFB will provide her with a sport kit and equipment to deliver the training sessions.
“I will also have the chance to take part in industry events such FA conferences,” said Lucy.
Football became a passion for Lucy as she played with the boys in her street growing up in Newton-le-Willows. She went on to play for the local club where, at 14, she became a coach and role model for the younger girls.
As a girl she played for Vulcan Football Club before progressing to Crosfields in Warrington. She has since played for Preston completing tours in Denmark and Dallas.
Priestley Sports Tutor Danni Toward said: “We saw Lucy’s confidence grow massively during her time at college and she has really focussed on achieving her dream.
“With the passion she has shown for inspiring other girls to play football I’m certain she will make a huge difference to women’s sport.”
