Gary has been great to work with and his enthusiasm and determination to succeed has been evident throughout. I have high hopes for him and I know he will be a great success at Midland. - Craig Hughes
1. Hi Gary, congratulations on becoming July's Athlete of the Month! Can you tell us a bit about your sporting background?
My sporting background has been quite a good and lucky one, from a young age I was involved in about of the rangers community camps from around the age of 5. After that I went on to become a better player with all the help from coaches and my friends. I was then lucky enough I had the chance to go and play pro-youth football with Celtic, Ayr United, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock, and Alloa.
2. How did you find out about First Point USA and what made you want to join the programme?
I found out about FirstPoint USA from one of my good friends who had really enjoyed their experience and said the staff were all such a great help and a great company. From this I went ahead and booked my assessment which was a good day and there were some great players.
3. You have accepted an offer to Midland University. Tell us how you managed to make that decision? Were you happy with the offers you received?
I have accepted an offer from Midland University which was the best decision I could have made. I chose Midland Uni because of the people at Midland, especially the coaches, Craig and Sean. Me and Craig met at the FirstPoint USA Soccer Showcase game in London when he described Midland to me in great detail. It was the uni for me! The way Sean and Craig run the team seems just the way any pro football team would run their team. I was happy with all the other offers I received. I was very chuffed I got offers in the first place, it's an amazing feeling when you are being recognised by someone in the U.S.
4. What are you most looking forward to about your time in the U.S?
I am most looking forward to succeeding in the States, meeting new people, and taking on all the challenges that I will be facing. Reaching my goals, and the goals of the uni, is a big thing for me. I want to repay the uni for giving me a good scholarship.
5. How are you preparing for your time as a student-athlete?
To prepare I have trained like no ones business! Trained every day and followed Midland's fitness plan very closely. Fitness is a big factor for the States, if you aren't fit, you don't play.
6. What are your future goals and what do you want to gain most from going out to America on a Scholarship?
My future goals are going out to the USA and succeeding in my soccer scholarship, and becoming a pro-footballer. All in all I want to do myself and my parents proud, and progress in my career with Midland. I want to meet new people and get to know different cultures, and travel America. If anyone would turn down playing soccer 7 days a week full time while getting a degree at the end, then they're mad!
7. Would you recommend FirstPoint USA?
I would HIGHLY recommend FirstPoint USA. They are such a great company to work with, and they do so much for you! The people that work there are great people to know, not just for athletic and academic advise and guidance, but as your friends too.
8. What advice do you have for anyone considering a scholarship to the USA?
My advice for anyone considering a soccer scholarship is not to worry too much about feeling homesick etc, just go for it and try your hardest. Do your best at every client game, and you will be in the states in no time!
We'd like to thank Gary for taking the time to answer our questions!
Do you think you have what it takes to secure a scholarship to be on your way to the USA, like Gary? Apply now!
