EFL League One club Exeter City are set to team up with the world’s leading sports scholarship agency FirstPoint USA to create new opportunities for its Academy players to play and study in the States.
Part of the club’s Academy pathway, the partnership is designed to provide a route for players to continue playing at a high level, while developing their education, with FirstPoint USA providing expertise and support to those considering the option of a college scholarship in the US.
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.
Dan Hayfield, Exeter City’s Player Care & Support Lead, said: “We are keen to ensure young players have good options beyond the club and for those transitioning out of the Academy, playing and studying in the US provides a fantastic opportunity which retains them in the game at a high level, and allows them to experience the superb facilities that are over there.
"As a club, we are committed to building 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. By tapping into FirstPoint’s experience and expertise, we are now in a position to further support our transitioning players.
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 Dan 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 myself, 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 appreciate that playing in the US 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.
“Exeter 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 and QPR, in addition to MLS sides Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati, while also working with League Football Association and the PFAs of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
