ATHLETES from Warrington’s Priestley College are looking to further their sporting goals overseas after being awarded prestigious scholarships by American universities.
So far eight students from Priestley have received offers worth more than half a million dollars from US institutions.
Sport Tutor Dan Jordan said Priestley had been able to assist the students thanks to the college’s strong links with the US.
“This is such a great opportunity for our students because the set up in America is just another level of professionalism,” he said.
“We’ve developed some strong contacts in the US and this is the best result we’ve had so far. Obviously it is also down to the incredible hard work put in by these talented athletes.”
Among those heading stateside is Amy Meadows who is currently studying an Extended Diploma in Football and has received a scholarship equivalent to $280,000 over four years.
“I accepted the offer within five minutes of receiving it – after I let my parents know,” said Amy, a former pupil at St Chad’s Catholic and CofE Academy.
“I am most looking forward to playing alongside and against top quality players as I feel this will develop my game massively and push me to play professionally in the future.”
Amy has received a 100% scholarship offer to play football for Hofstra University, an NCAA Division 1 college in New York.
The talented footballer signed for Manchester City when she was 13 and heard then how some of their club’s first team players had taken this route.
The 18-year-old started emailing colleges before one of Dan’s contacts put her in touch with the women’s soccer coach at Hofstra.
“I sent my highlight reel and academic profile and had my first call with him in June. I was lucky enough to receive my scholarship offer a month later,” said Amy.
Student Jacob Scobbie worked with Priestley College’s partner Destination 219 to secure his football scholarship. The education consultancy has also guided five other Priestley students towards securing their offers.
Iffy Marinos was actually scouted by the rowing recruitment team at University of Tulsa in Oklahoma.
Her full scholarship covers all costs from housing to meal plans and is worth approximately $240,000 over four years.
“I am going to a university to do the sport that I love whilst also being able to work towards a degree at the same time,” said the former Sir Thomas Boteler pupil.
“I’m looking forward to becoming a better athlete and being challenged with the training which will help me to reach my goals.”
