Over the past year, I have worked with 18 clubs to help players and their families understand whether university is right for them. Whether this is while playing or when they have been released, university is an option young males are attracted to. According to PFA figures, higher education is attended by over 600 of their members per year. However, I have first-hand experience of how a move into higher education can turn into a nightmare, and it is not the fault of the player.
A gift for you and your friends 馃巵
I have launched a four-part online course, which builds on the live sessions I have been doing in clubs. It is for young players and their families to engage with and gives a clear set of frameworks to assess whether university is right for you.
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Never, ever beat Dan Burn; he's from Blyth ... and Darlington, Fulham, Yeovil, Birmingham, Wigan, Brighton, and Wigan (again)!
We need to develop a 'turn-back time' before reaching a scholarship or a professional contract. Set out, before the ascent begins, what the young player and family are happy to carry on with and what they are not.
Is university right for you?
The unintended consequence of this concoction is that someone who is perhaps not ready for university feels compelled to go to university at an institution that is not fit to support them in their development.
Do you look both ways when crossing the road?
I help young players and their families to "look both ways as they cross the road". I want young players to go through their football journey knowing the full story, taking a more evidence-based approach to their career planning.