English Football League club Bradford City have joined forces with the world’s leading sports scholarship agency FirstPoint USA, to launch a new initiative which will extend their Academy pathway.
Designed to provide continued high level playing opportunities combined with developing a player’s education, the partnership will see FirstPoint USA supporting Academy players with the option of pursuing a college soccer scholarship in the States.
Established in 2001, FirstPoint work with talented young sportsmen and women all over the world to provide athletic and academic opportunities across the US, through their network of more than 2,500 colleges and universities. During that time, they have secured more than $300m in scholarship funding for over 30,000 student-athletes.
Tom Calvert, Bradford City’s Head of Player Care, said: “We are delighted to be working with FirstPoint USA.
We want to ensure young players have opportunities beyond the club and for those transitioning out of the Academy, playing and studying in the US provides a fantastic option which retains them in the game at a high level.
The club is committed to strengthening our player care provision and this partnership allows players to explore a different pathway, but one which can be hugely beneficial to their future career.”
“We have developed our player care provision over the last year and now we are in a position to help further support our transitioning players in partnership with FirstPoint USA.
FirstPoint USA’s Head of Club Academy Partnerships Harvey Moyes, a former student-athlete at NCAA D1 Northern Kentucky University, said: “We are very excited to be working with Tom and his team to provide our services to the club’s academy players.
“Having had first-hand experience of playing college soccer in the US, I know what a life-changing opportunity it can provide, whether continuing to play at a high level or using your degree to pursue a different career path.
“We know playing in America is not going to be for everyone, but for those players who are keen to consider the option, we are delighted to be on hand to offer our support.
“Bradford City are a great club who provide excellent player care, and by adding this opportunity into their mix, they are ensuring players have a pathway to education beyond their time at the club.”
FirstPoint USA’s partner clubs include Arsenal, Fulham, QPR, Ross County and MLS side Philadelphia Union, while also working with League Football Association and the PFAs of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
