We’re delighted to announce that FirstPoint USA client, Sam Wright Has confirmed his place and is headed for Thomas University in Spring 2019. Hailing from Sheffield, the soccer player is a former pupil of both Mosborough Primary and Westfield High School, and is currently attending Hillsborough College where he is due to complete his A Levels this June.
Sam tells us he has been playing rugby since U8’s, but has been playing with his current team, Mosborough FC, from U14’s. He adds, “We play at a relatively low level but have a good squad; having just been promoted divisions and playing in the semi-final of our League Cup this Sunday (15th April).
With an extensive sporting career behind him so far, we asked Sam to tell us about his favourite sporting memory to date. He told it comes from a Sheffield United game - the team he’s supported all his life. “In the Kop at Bramall Lane with my Dad, in a League Cup game against Tottenham. Two goals down and Che Adams, the unknown youngster, came on to score two in the last five minutes. The Kop erupted – Spurs went on to win the game, but the moment was that great, it felt like a win.”
When Sam initially came across FirstPoint USA, he tells us he knew it was the perfect avenue to continue his passions for soccer, learning and the American culture. To begin with, Sam notes he didn’t quite take in the possibility of it all becoming a reality. However, after having attended his interview at Old Trafford, Sam tells us, from then on, he knew this was something he had to pursue – it’s such a huge opportunity.
The process of obtaining an American sports scholarship can be tough one, we asked Sam how he and his family got on. He told us, it wasn’t until he started advancing through the process, that his family began to understand the reality of it all. Sam adds, “Of course, we were scared at first, but my girlfriend and the rest of my family have been amazing and supportive ever since. I’d like to add a special mention to my Dad, who none of this would have been possible without, and who has been with me every step of the way.”
Deciding which college to attend is a huge decision, and can be a daunting one for many prospective students. Sam tells us that an offer from Thomas University was the first he received, and it was one which grew more appealing each week. He stated, “The coaches – Ricky Zambrano, Codi Crippen and Jorge Herranz – were friendly and helpful, especially in developing my understanding of life as a student-athlete in the States. Through video calls and conversations, it became clear that [Thomas University] was a great match of aspirations and attitudes.”
Finally, we asked Sam where he sees himself being in 10 years’ time. He tells us he hopes to have grown and developed as a person, through hard work and positive surroundings; to have made an impact at Thomas, both athletically and academically; and to have shared some great experiences with new people in his life.
We’d like to thank Sam for catching up with us. We’ll keep you updated on Sam's progress throughout the scholarship process across our various social media platforms; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Apply to FirstPoint USA today for your once in a lifetime opportunity to head to the States on a sports scholarship:
