In August 2015, Adam Wilson swapped a career at
Glasgow Rangers for a
soccer scholarship in
Cincinnati. Adam has taken some time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions on why he made the move and what life was like during his first year as a
student athlete.
- Can you tell us a bit about your sporting background pre-scholarship?
In Scotland, I played for 7 years with
Rangers FC that was obviously a good standard and a very enjoyable place to play when I was younger.
[caption id="attachment_10407" align="alignnone" width="600"]
Adam Wilson with Celtic's Glen Eadie[/caption]
- What originally made you choose FirstPoint USA and are you glad you did?
At the time I was looking to go to an America college and my brother
Jordan had already used First Point so I felt comfortable knowing they would get me into a good college, which suited me perfectly.
- Were you happy with the offers you received and what made you choose? Cincinnati in Ohio?
The offers I received were all really good but with The University of Cincinnati it just sounded perfect for me. I liked the coaches and they had a plan for me to come in and play. Not to mention, the area I would be living in was excellent.
- What’s been the highlight of your first year in the States?
The highlight of my first year on the field has been getting voted unanimously onto the conference all Rookie team. My highlight off the field would be getting on the deans list in my spring semester.
- What are the facilities like at Cincinnati?
You really can't find anywhere with better facilities and a place better prepared to improve you as an athlete. It is like a professional environment. Actually a professional team,
FC Cincinnati, use our facilities to train.
- How does the focus on college athletics compare in the US to the UK?
I think the difference with the athletics in America compared to the UK is how serious it is taken even at college level where you are not even a professional athlete yet. You train everyday sometimes twice a day and the only difference between the pros and us is we have class on top of training.
- Have you had any opportunities or plans to make any money while in the US ?(student/weekend jobs or coaching etc)?
During the school year and especially in summer there are options to do coaching camps at the University which can earn you a fair bit of money. Usually they are fairly regular throughout the year.
- How have you managed your time between studying/training/socializing?
As long as you can be organised and plan out your school agenda, there is plenty of time to go and socialise and concentrate on the training. At Cincinnati you have to do 8 hours in a study room a week so there's an opportunity to get all your school work done since you have to be in there anyway.
?9. What advice would you have for anyone considering a sports scholarship?
I would say to everybody that if the offer is there for a sports scholarship and you’d be keen to spend 4 years in the States then definitely go and do it. I haven't spoke to one person who regrets it, everybody says it has been the best decision they have made.
- Would you recommend FirstPoint USA?
With First Point you know that they are looking specifically for what you want and need. That is all they care about. So you know with them that you are getting the best fit for you. Now everybody gets caught up in teams rankings and locations. But the way to get the most out of the sport and the school is to find the place that fits you personally the best!
Adam's brother, Jordan also made the switch from professional in the UK to
US College Sport. You can read his interview
here - Jordan Wilson
If you'd like to follow Adam and head to America on a soccer scholarship, then apply to FirstPointUSA today!
