​UDA is incredibly proud to celebrate a major achievement for two of our University of Gloucestershire students, Mikkiel Graham and Jaxson Hundt, who have been selected for the English Universities National Squad.

The journey began back in November, when University of Gloucestershire Men’s 1st Team Coach Ivor Gumm was asked to nominate four players for initial regional trials, with the opportunity to earn a place in the English Universities South Squad. It was no easy task, especially given the strength of the UoG squad following a record-breaking treble-winning season.

Among the four players selected were two UDA students, Mikkiel Graham and Jaxson Hundt. Both attended the first trial in Bath in December and were successful in progressing to the next stage.
In the New Year, Mikkiel and Jaxson were invited to a further trial in Chichester, where they once again impressed and earned selection to represent the South Squad. As part of the squad, they took part in a short training weekend in Jersey, which included a narrow defeat against Step 4 side Jersey Bulls.

UDA Director Steve Lilley travelled to Jersey to watch both players in action and was full of praise for their performances.

“As expected, both of the lads conducted themselves professionally throughout the weekend and proved on the pitch that they are more than capable of playing at the level required,” said Steve.

The next step was the South v North Challenge Cup in May at St George’s Park, The FA’s national football centre. With a place in the National Squad on the line, the standard was extremely high, featuring players competing at strong levels within the English football pyramid and the BUCS Premier Division.

Once again, Mikkiel and Jaxson rose to the challenge.

At the beginning of June, both players were informed they had been selected for the English Universities National Squad — marking the first time since 2001 that the University of Gloucestershire has had a footballer represent their country.

Mikkiel and Jaxson have both been part of the UDA programme for three years and have recently graduated after studying Sport Business Management. Jaxson will remain with UDA next year as he begins a Master’s in Sports Performance Analysis, while Mikkiel is currently pursuing opportunities to build a career as a full-time footballer.

Both players have been outstanding representatives of UDA and the University of Gloucestershire, serving as fantastic role models for future students coming through the programme. Their achievement is significant and should not be underestimated.

Ivor Gumm, University of Gloucestershire Men’s 1st Team Coach, shared his pride in their success:
“The introduction of UDA students into our Men’s 1st Team has been a huge success, with up to eight players representing the team at some point across what has been an incredible season. Most notably, Mik and Jax have gone on to represent the English Universities National Team — a truly wonderful achievement.”

Both players are now preparing for the upcoming training camp at Nottingham University. Jaxson has recently returned from UDA’s end-of-season tour to sunny Spain, while Mikkiel has been attending a training camp with Bristol-based Back2Action alongside other professional and semi-professional players.
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Everyone at UDA is immensely proud of Mikkiel and Jaxson. Congratulations, lads — an incredible and well-deserved achievement.
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​​UDA Gloucestershire is reflecting on a hugely successful 2025/26 campaign, with progress made across the programme both on and off the pitch.

From team trophies and individual player achievements to academic support, player development, graduation success and stronger links with the University of Gloucestershire, the season has provided plenty to celebrate — while also setting a strong foundation for continued growth in 2026/27.

This year, 12 UDA students successfully graduated from the University of Gloucestershire, with three choosing to continue their studies by undertaking a master’s degree. The programme also achieved an 87% retention rate heading into the 2026/27 campaign, reflecting the strength of the student-athlete experience and the commitment of players, staff and families.
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A key development this season has been the continued growth of the relationship between UDA and the University of Gloucestershire BUCS department. More UDA players have had the opportunity to represent the university alongside UK students, creating a stronger connection between the football programme and the wider university environment.​

Success on the Pitch

​The football programme enjoyed a memorable season, with major achievements across both the men’s and women’s programmes.

On the men’s side, the programme celebrated three cup final wins, while the UDA First Years won their BUCS league. The University of Gloucestershire First Team also completed a treble-winning season, securing the league, cup and varsity titles, with several UDA players regularly involved.

Individual player success was also a major highlight. Jaxson Hundt and Mikkiel Graham were selected for the England Universities South Squad, with Mikkiel Graham and Jaxson Hundt also earning selection for the English Universities National Squad — the first time a University of Gloucestershire footballer has achieved this since 2001.

The goalkeeping programme also continued to develop, with UDA goalkeepers training weekly with Cheltenham Town FC U18s and taking part in specialist sessions with A Licence coach Neil Moore.

The women’s programme also took significant steps forward this season, competing at a higher standard and regularly facing professional club development sides. The team finished joint top of the FA WNL Championship Division, showing clear progress in performance, consistency and resilience throughout the campaign.
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Several players also gained valuable experience in external football environments. Eva Dufresne represented Weston-super-Mare WFC, including involvement in their League Cup final success, while Dani Soave represented Forest Green Rovers WFC and trialled for the England Universities South Team.​

Strengthening the Development Pathway

​Looking ahead to the 2026/27 season, UDA Gloucestershire will be taking on the management of Viney St Swithin’s 1st Team.

As part of this development, the UDA Development Squad will play under the Viney St Swithin’s umbrella in the Gloucestershire League. This will provide players with a more robust and consistent fixture programme, while also significantly reducing travel demands throughout the season.

The move will also support the long-term quality and sustainability of the playing surface at Viney. With two men’s teams playing out of the facility next season instead of three, the pitch will have greater opportunity to recover between matches, helping to protect and improve conditions for players across the programme.
Growth, Culture and Player Development

Beyond the results, one of the biggest successes of the season has been the continued development of the programme culture.

The women’s programme established a clearer playing identity, with players showing growth in confidence, understanding and consistency throughout the season. The group also built a strong team environment, with positive relationships and togetherness helping the squad navigate challenging moments and continue progressing.

Recruitment and retention have also strengthened the squad, creating healthy competition and giving the programme a strong platform moving forward.
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Across the wider football programme, more than 30 guest coaches from the PFA worked with UDA players this season, giving students access to insight and experience from current and former professionals.

Supporting Players On and Off the Pitch

​​UDA Gloucestershire continued to place strong emphasis on the full student-athlete experience, with ongoing development in welfare, sports therapy, strength and conditioning, academic support and player care.

The programme introduced improved systems to track injuries, treatment and return-to-play progress, helping staff better support players throughout the season. Psychology workshops were also delivered for both staff and players, providing valuable tools to support wellbeing, performance and the transition to life in the UK.

Academic support remained an important focus, with stronger links between the football and academic sides of the programme helping staff identify and support students who may need additional guidance.
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Looking ahead, the programme plans to continue developing its strength and conditioning provision, with more focused sessions designed to support individual player needs, improve physical progression and assist with injury prevention.

Looking Ahead to 2026/27

Planning is already underway for the 2026/27 campaign, with UDA Gloucestershire aiming to build on the momentum created this season.

Key priorities include continuing to develop the high-performing squad, expanding the use of GPS data to support player load management, providing further professional development opportunities for staff, and exploring sponsorship opportunities to support the continued growth and exposure of the programme.

The staff team is also looking forward to exciting new developments within the men’s and women’s game programmes, with a continued focus on improving the student-athlete experience year after year.

UDA Gloucestershire would like to thank all students, parents, staff and key stakeholders for their commitment and support throughout the 2025/26 season.
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It has been a fantastic year of growth, success and progress — and the programme is already looking ahead with excitement to what comes next.​