We’ve had great success launching our men’s Academy Programme at the University of Gloucestershire this September and we’ve welcomed a great group of young men on board. Upon their arrival in late September, the student athletes got right into training, allowing the players to get their first taste of their new indoor and outdoor training facilities. From the beginning, the coaching staff of Dave, Matt, Aimee, Mal, Jack and Claire were impressed with the attitude of the boys and began to see their potential.
In our first game, we took on the University of Gloucestershire BUCS 3rd team. This was a chance for Coach Dave to see how well the lessons learned in training transferred to match conditions. The players started well, playing skillfully in the first half while the second half brought on a more physical contest that ended in a 2-2 draw.
It has been a pleasure working with the boys for the first term and we look forward to their return. There are exciting times ahead for the UDA UoG team which we will share more about soon, such as upcoming fixtures against strong teams, a guest coach appearance, a trip to The Football Museum and a Premier League game.
We’re thankful for the support of the community as we’ve forged strong links with local teams during this first term. We’re excited to get back to work on the field and in the classroom!
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UDA is to offer opportunities for aspiring women players to play year round, earn a degree of their choice and play within a professional academy at the University of Gloucestershire. The program is set to launch, September 2023. Executive Director, Dr. Brian Haley stated, “we have been planning the launch of a women's program at Gloucestershire for some time. We have had families and players ask why don't we provide the same opportunities for women as we have done for men in the UK. We heard their call and have now developed a robust and strategic recruitment structure in North America in order to recruit women looking for this type of opportunity.”
Haley continued, “What makes this opportunity different for women is our connection to the women’s professional game through Gloucester City AFC. The UDA women will be able to play within the Gloucester City AFC structure utilizing their pathways for player and game development. In addition, the UDA academy coaches and staff will bring their own expertise to help the development of the students. Of course, as UDA mission is ‘Changing Lives Through Education’ we recognize, as we do with all our programs, the focus is on the academic success and graduation of students beyond the opportunity to train and play year round in our professional academy” For women seeking entry into the academy, recruitment begins in spring and summer 2022. Three spring webinars for the women's program will be held March 20th, April 24th and May 22nd for students and families wishing to learn more about the program. These webinars are a great opportunity to get to know more about UDA, the University of Gloucestershire academic opportunities, the benefits of a UK degree and more. The recruitment team led by Director of Recruitment Seamus Reilly are planning a women’s Summer Tour to the University of Gloucestershire for prospective players and families from July 17th- 29th. The Summer Tour is open to students graduating in 2023 and 2024 with a cap of 18 players for the tour. We will also be hosting several recruitment events across the country where students and players can train with UDA coaches, learn more about the university and ask any questions they may have. Catch us in Charlotte in March, as well as San Antonio and Columbus in June. Please refer back to our recruitment page for more details about the camps.
Interested in taking this next step towards a once in a lifetime opportunity? Please contact Director of Recruitment Seamus Reilly for more information about the program and the recruitment process.
Details of the women’s summer tour can be found at this link: Women's Summer Tour. |
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UDA Is Seeking Recruitment Representatives For Selected North American Regions.
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