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Coventry University student achieves dream of becoming professional footballer
Beth Roberts (Photo credit: Wolves Women)
University news / Student news / Theme / Life Sciences
Tuesday 22 September 2026
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A Coventry University student has achieved her childhood dream of becoming a professional footballer after helping Wolves Women secure promotion to Women's Super League 2 (WSL 2).
Beth Roberts, 25, spent much of her childhood kicking a ball around in the garden with her family in Newcastle-under-Lyme before joining Bradwell Belles aged nine.
After progressing through Stoke City's academy, she joined Wolves to further her ambitions. The move paid off when the club won promotion to WSL 2 and became fully professional, with Beth making her professional debut against Newcastle United.
It was always my dream. All I can remember from when I was little is being in the garden with my dad and brothers kicking a ball. As the women's game has grown, it started to feel like becoming a professional footballer could actually happen.
I'm proud of myself but I'm also proud of my family because I wouldn't be where I am without them.
Beth Roberts, Coventry University student and Wolves Women footballer
The promotion brought a major life change. Before turning professional, left-back Beth balanced football with a full-time role as a physiotherapy assistant at Royal Stoke University Hospital while studying for a physiotherapy degree apprenticeship with Coventry University.
With one year of her degree remaining, the defender feared she would have to choose between football and her studies. However, Coventry University enabled her to transfer from the apprenticeship route to the full-time physiotherapy course, allowing her to continue both.
Coventry University has been incredibly supportive. At first I didn't know how I was going to make it work. I would have been devastated to give up my degree but they've helped me find a way to continue my studies while following my dream.
I only had one year left of my degree and I'd worked so hard to get to that point. Football is my dream but it won't last forever and I absolutely love physiotherapy.
Beth Roberts, Coventry University student and Wolves Women footballer
Beth said promotion with Wolves has been life-changing not only for her but for many of her teammates.
It has been a massive change for a lot of us. Around 10 of the players from the promotion-winning squad were kept on and became professional footballers. Many of us left careers in teaching, healthcare and office jobs to take this opportunity.
We've been working towards this for years, so to go through that journey together and see everyone's dreams come true has been really special.
Beth Roberts, Coventry University student and Wolves Women footballer
Beth's journey has not been without setbacks. A Grade 2 hamstring tear in 2018 ruled her out of an England camp in Portugal, while a fractured collarbone in 2020 required another lengthy rehabilitation programme. Those experiences not only tested her resilience but also inspired her interest in physiotherapy.
Learning about rehabilitation inspired me to pursue physiotherapy.
I know how much it means to recover from an injury and I want to help others do the same.
Supporting people through their recovery and seeing the difference you can make is incredibly rewarding.
Beth Roberts, Coventry University student and Wolves Women footballer
Looking back on her journey, Beth has simple advice for other young people unsure about their future.
Don't put pressure on yourself to know exactly what you want to do straight away.
It's all a journey. Look out for opportunities and get experience in things you're passionate about because you never know where they might lead.
Beth Roberts, Coventry University student and Wolves Women footballer
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