CU Scarborough programme offers students potential route into elite football industry
Wednesday 14 April 2021
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Students from the UK and further afield can study to pursue careers in the highly-competitive elite football industry thanks to a new programme offered by CU Scarborough and sports firm SFS International.
The two organisations have collaborated to provide an environment with similarities to a professional youth football academy, which offers aspirational footballers the chance to continue chasing their dreams of playing professionally as well as an opportunity to further their academic education whilst exploring and pursuing broader careers within the football industry.
CU Scarborough and SFS International joined forces for the first time ahead of the 2020/2021 academic year to offer a BA (Hons) degree in Sports and Leisure Management, with hopes and ambitions to expand their offering in the years to come.
First-year student Deon Dandrade turned down trials at Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit DC United while ex-England and Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney was at the US club, opting instead to move over to the UK to explore his potential both on and off the pitch with CU Scarborough and SFS International.
I made the move over from the USA to continue pursuing a career as a professional footballer. CU Scarborough offered a really unique opportunity to continue chasing my dream of playing professionally, whilst also gaining the education and experience I would need to build a career off the pitch once my playing days are over.
CU Scarborough and SFS International are providing me with valued support and opportunities helping me on my journey into coaching and scouting the next generation of top footballers, as well as helping me to develop my ability on the pitch.
Deon Dandrade, BA (Hons) Sport and Leisure Management student
CU Scarborough and SFS International have strong links to semi-professional football club Scarborough Athletic FC, whose stadium is next door to CU Scarborough’s campus.
Students on the programme have use of the stadium’s facilities for training and development purposes, spreading their time between the classroom and the pitch. There are also opportunities to gain useful experience working for Scarborough Athletic FC in various roles as well as chances to access courses in talent identification and coaching.
We offer an environment with similarities to a professional football academy, but we try to go a step further by offering students the chance to develop their holistic knowledge and skills that can be transferrable to the football industry off the pitch as well as on it.
We’re absolutely delighted that our work with CU Scarborough has provided opportunities for students both here in the UK and overseas to learn more about the football industry and pursue careers in a really competitive and exciting market.
SFS International Founding Director Steven Brennan
Find out more about the Sports and Leisure Management programme offered by CU Scarborough and SFS International.
