We’re thrill to announce that FirstPoint USA client, Will Osgathorpe, has committed to Missouri State University. Hailing from Bradfield, Sheffield, the former Bradfield School pupil will be joining the Missouri State roster this Fall.
Will tells us that he’s been playing soccer since he’s been able to walk, stating it’s the only thing he’s ever wanted to do. At the age of eight years old, Will began to play for his local club, Sheffield Wednesday. Will stayed here until turning 16, when he received a soccer scholarship from Bury FC.
Having been immersed in the sporting world from a young age, we asked Will to tell us about his favourite sporting memory to date. He stated, “My favourite sporting memory is probably Sergio Aguero scoring in the last second to win Manchester City the Premier League title; snatching it away from arch rivals Manchester United.”
Will tells us that during his time with Sheffield Wednesday, he had the opportunity to visit the States. Since then, he tells us it is somewhere he has always wanted to live; so when the opportunity to live, study, and play soccer in the US arose, Will said it was too good an opportunity to miss. Since finding out about his opportunity to play in America, Will states that his family have been incredibly supportive and are thrilled for him. However, will definitely be sad to see him leave when the time comes.
For man, the process of securing a US sports scholarship can be a long and, sometimes confusing, process. We asked Will how he and his family found it; “It’s a long process, much longer than I anticipated. However, the time frame is long, which makes it easier. Rather than trying to get it done in a month or two, I’ve been able to take my time over it. I guess it all depends on what stage you get scouted.”
Having now made his commitment to Missouri State, we asked Will how he knew this was the right school for him. Will tells us that Missouri was the first university to contact him; he stated “at the time, I wasn’t ready for the commitment, and wanted to explore all other possibilities. However, when the time came, Missouri were still interested in taking me on, so it was a no-brainer to join such a successful team.”
Upon beginning his life as a US student-athlete, Will tells us that he is most looking forward to meeting new people, and for the opportunity to have a new start in a different country. Adding, that he hopes this will benefit both his soccer and his studies.
Finally, as we often do with our clients, we asked Will where he sees himself being in 10 years’ time. He replied, “Tough question. In 10 years’ time, I hope to still be playing soccer at the highest possible level. If that is professionally, then brilliant, that’s the goal for me."
We’d like to thank Will for catching up with us. We’ll keep you updated on Will'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:
