Andrew Kean, Chief Executive and FirstPoint USA founder

Every month, we plan to catch up with one of our FirstPoint USA staff members, and give you a little insight into what brought them to FirstPoint USA and what keeps them here!

This months featured profile is Andrew Kean. Andrew founded FirstPoint USA in 2001, with the backing of the Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT), and is now Chief Executive of FirstPoint USA.

Andrew Kean was a highly accomplished youth soccer player in Scotland in the mid-1990′s, before heading out to the United states to play with the Bearcats at Cincinnati University. In the process, he became the soccer program’s first ever All-American, led the team to its first ever NCAA Tournament in 1998, and was inducted into the James P Kelly, Snr, UC Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.

Upon his return from the United States, Andrew had a dream to set up a program to help talented young athletes to realise their potential, and to have the same opportunities and experiences that he had himself in the U.S. Andrew Kean is always reminding all of the staff here at FirstPoint USA how he is “the busiest person in the office”…..and its a fair statement! Andrew can often be found burning the midnight oil in his office, even after a full day of work. His dedication to the company is admirable, and the depth of his work ethic, at times seems unsustainable! However, he somehow manages to fit it all in, even with two young children at home.

His passion and hard work for FirstPoint USA has certainly paid off and is evident from the numerous accolades and awards himself and the company have achieved, to (more importantly) how many (over 4000) happy and successful clients we have sent out on scholarships to the United States.

We caught up with Andrew to find out more about his role at FirstPoint USA, and what he is all about:

What did you do before FirstPoint USA?

I was a soccer scholarship recipient at the University of Cincinnati, and founded FirstPoint USA on my return from America in 2001.

What’s your sporting background?

All-American soccer player and Hall of Fame inductee at the University of Cincinnati; captained Scotland at U18 level.

Check out this video of Andrew Kean, as he was inducted into the Hall of Fame!

What does your job involve?

It’s a 24/7 role that covers all aspects of managing FirstPoint USA; both in terms of the service to our clients and coaches, as well as our strategic planning, financial management and business development.

What might you do in a day?

No two days are the same. I spend the day handling the regular office-based issues and overseeing the various department objectives. However, most of my actual ‘work’ is taken care of through the night. Between the months of December and August, I typically start work at 6am and will finish at 3am the following morning.

What are your ambitions?

To be in a position where I can spend more time with my family and to provide my children with the same excellent opportunities (and more) that I was given.

What’s your claim to fame?

Aside from being the first soccer player to be named as an All-American at Cincinnati, my claim to fame is being named a Finalist for the ‘Scotsman of the Year’ award alongside Lord George Robertson of Port Ellen (Head of NATO), Sir Jackie Stewart (Formula 1) and Sir Ian Wilmut (Cloning) et al. I still don’t know why I was ever considered.

What do you do in your free time?

As the father of two young children, I love spending time with them and my wife as much as possible. All of my hobbies were put to one side as soon as I started FirstPoint USA, but I still get the chance to go and watch Glasgow Rangers when they are playing at home.

5 Interesting facts about Andrew Kean

• I am obsessed with things being tidy, clean and symmetrical.
• I hate the feeling of wool and the thought of wet wool makes me sick.
• I was not the first in my family to graduate from an American University.
• When I first returned from America and was trying to get FirstPoint USA up and running, i had a job cleaning buses.
• I first dated my wife when I was 13 years old (so was she!)

Testimonial from Head of Client Services, Nicole Montoya

Andrew has this obsession with nutrition and is always informing us on the newest fad diet out there, though I’m not sure if he’s stuck to any of them himself for longer than 2 weeks! I do, sometimes enjoy knowing about what I’m eating….thanks Andrew! haha

Andrew must be one of the most approachable bosses out there! His door is always open for his employees as well as any clients, or potential clients strolling through the office for a tour. His office is less than 10 yards from Client Services, so we talk to him on a regular basis. If we have any issues, he is eager to know about them and help us with his advice and words of wisdom.

Andrew is very good for pulling us into his office for a catch up to see where we are at with our work, to discuss any issues, or just to see how we are doing personally outside of work.

Our conversations tend to turn towards our personal lives, personal experiences and family. If it’s about my plans for the future or a question about Americans, we always end up having a good laugh. I love hearing about his family, and you can see how much his face brightens up whenever a story arises about them. He is very much a family man, plain and simple. I love when his family pops in to bless us with the pitter patter of their little feet. We always end up with some new piece of artwork for the office!
Starbucks……Starbucks……Starbucks, what can we say? The man loves his coffee! You will immediately do the famous Starbucks run for him when you are new to the office…we’ve all had to so it at one time or another! Thankfully its only a 5-10 minute walk away!

I must close with the fact that Andrew is passionate and completely devoted to this company. He works all sorts of crazy hours, and drives up and down this country for meetings. With this sort of dedication coming from the top, it naturally makes it way through all of us employees which is why this company is great to work for!

 

 

Barry Neville, Clearing department

Each month we profile a FirstPoint USA Staff Member to give you some insight into what we are all like, what we do and what experience we have.

The majority of our staff have all been through the American scholarship process themselves and have studied and played sport to a high level in the States.

Barry Neville, from our Clearing Department is certainly no exception! Barry secured a soccer scholarship to Binghamton University in New York where he achieved a great deal, both on the pitch and in the classroom….he also met his wife there (Nicole Montoya from FirstPoint USA Client Services!)

Barry is now a key member of the FirstPoint USA team as well as being a FirstPoint USA Hall of Fame inductee! He works very hard and is always willing to share his knowledge and experience to our clients who are going through the process themselves.

We caught up with Barry to find out more about his experiences:

What did you do before coming to FPUSA?

Before working at First Point USA, I spent four years out in the States at Binghamton University in New York. I secured a scholarship with the help of First Point USA and had a very successful time there. I graduated with a degree in Economics in 2009. Soon after that I returned home whereI actually worked an internship here in the office for about 3 weeks prior to being offered a permanent job. Needless to say, I guess I made quite the impression!

What’s your sporting background?

My sporting background is in Football (Soccer). I spent a number of years playing with Motherwell FC and spent a year playing with Stirling Albion FC before departing for the US. While out in the US, I was fortunate enough to have experienced much success with my team. I was individually awarded with the team MVP a couple of times, All-Conference accolades, as well as All-Region. In the end, I was given a very prestigious award by the university for my contribution to the school’s athletic department for my success on and off the pitch. Til this day I feel priveleged to have been chosen for this. Since being back in Scotland, I have played for a couple of Junior Football Clubs, but nothing special has landed for me as of yet.

Describe what your job involves

My job involves the placement of our clients at the US Universities and securing scholarship opportunities for them. I work in a team of four with Grant, John-Paul and Craig. We are in regular contact with coaches from the US to promote our clients to be part of their athletic program. We also assist our clients with the admissions process, Visa process, insurance questions, and any other questions to do with making the move to the USA.

What might you do in a day?

In a regular day, you will most likely find me getting back to numerous emails and phone calls from coaches, clients, and their parents. I watch our clients’ footage, determine their eligibility, and find those schools which suit them best.

What do you like most about your job?

The great thing about my job is that I am always working with new people. Unique situations still arise as every case has their own variables so it never is boring. A lot of people always tell me I’m lucky because I get to watch football all day and get to talk sports, so I enjoy that part of it as well. The people I work with are easy to get on with, we enjoy a good laugh, and all share similar interests.

Being able to play some part in these young men and women’s choices which will change their lives is the most rewarding part of my job.

What are your ambitions?

I would like to get into coaching young athletes eventually. Though to be honest, I haven’t thought too far in advance in regards to my ambitions.

What’s your claim to fame?

I scored winning goal to win the conference tournament to put us into the national championships. I then went on to score a goal in the NCAA tournament as well. A big blow-up action photo of me is up in the soccer stadium at Binghamton University.

What do you do in your free time/ what are your hobbies?

I enjoy beating my colleagues in FIFA, it always makes good chat for the next day at work. Since my wife is a fan, she has converted me to follow an American Basketball team called the Los Angeles Lakers so I do enjoy watching their games.

What is it really like working with your wife!?

She drives me crazy! Just kidding. It actually isn’t as bad as you would think. We are still a very young married couple so we are still at the stage that we like to talk to each other! Haha. It is nice to have her around and go to lunch with everyday.

Barry, tell us some interesting Facts about yourself:

1. I am the first to graduate university from my family.

2. I have a dream one day to go into outer space (It’s a long shot)

3. I was a Ball Boy at the 1999 Scottish Cup Final when Rangers beat Celtic 1-0

4. I am currently learning Spanish

5. A massive picture of me is printed on the Walls of the soccer stadium at Binghamton University

Testimonial from Craig Hughes, Clearing Department

“Barry is a bit of a perfectionist, he takes pride in his work and is very thorough in everything he does. He is honest, hard working and reliable. He also has a genuine interest in all of his clients – he goes over and above to assist them.

Barry loves his football (soccer), he is known as somewhat of a journeyman of junior football. Barry models himself on his favourite player Kirk Broadfoot who he affectionately nicknames “the Paisley Pele”.

Testimonial from Nicole Montoya, Client Services (a.k.a Barry’s wife!)

“There’s a lot of things I could say about Barry Neville, but I will keep it short and sweet as I don’t want to embarrass him! Barry is a very humble person so he won’t like me saying these things! We first met at University in New York, so I had the pleasure of watching him play soccer at his best. He had a very successful collegiate career and even though he would not admit it, I believe he was the most beloved player in his 4 years there and could possibly still be!

Barry was awarded the team MVP a couple of times, was the team captain, won conference championships, made it to the finals just about every year, scored a goal in the NCAA tournament, scored a winning penalty to win the conference championship, awarded numerous conference accolades for his performance on the field and in the classroom (All-Rookie, Honour Roll, First-Team etc). He was awarded all-regional achievements, most outstanding player for the conference tournament, and his final award as a senior was the most prestigious – which was given to the male athlete who had an outstanding contribution to the entire athletic department at the university and showed great leadership.

All the while he was a great athlete and soccer player, he was an excellent student who was recognised by the conference and the university. I can’t say enough good things about him – but then of course I’m biased! “

We would like to thank Barry Neville for taking the time to talk to us about his experiences and achievements at Binghamton University and beyond. We would also like to thank Craig and Nicole for the testimonials.

If you would like to follow in the footsteps of Barry’s soccer boots, then register your details online today for more information about Soccer Scholarships in the USA.

 

Nicola Pitticas, Director of Scouting

Every month, we plan to catch up with one of our FirstPoint USA staff members, and give you a little insight into what brought them to FirstPoint USA and what keeps them here!

This month, we get the lo-down on Nicola Pitticas, our resident Head of Scouting to find out more about her role at FirstPoint USA.

Nicola joined FirstPoint USA as the sole female Sports Consultant, specializing in her sport, Field Hockey. Nicola herself, came through the FirstPoint USA program, and went on to study Classical Civilisation and Ancient Greek at Michigan State University.

Initially, Nicolas role was to identify talented young athletes with an interest in pursuing both an academic and athletic career in the USA, and to educate them in the scholarship process. Nicola is a particularly good coach, and would put a great deal of effort into motivating her clients to perform at the best of their game.

As evident as it was that Nicola enjoyed this role within the company, the opportunity to spearhead the FirstPoint USA Scouting network was too tempting! Never one to pass up on a challenge, Nicola has embraced her new role with gusto. FirstPoint USA is expanding, and with it we are developing a network of international Sports Scouts to join our team. It is Nicola’s job to identify suitable candidates for this role, to manage them, and most importantly – to educate them about FirstPoint USA, and the American Scholarship process.

We caught up with Nicola for a bit of insight into what she’s about, where she’s been and what she is getting up to with all those Sport scouts!

What did you do before joining FirstPoint USA?

I studied at Michigan State University and played Field Hockey. I played as a Center Forward and scored schools.

What is your sporting background?

I started playing Hockey at Jordanhill school, then went on to play club level hockey. I am currently playing for Glasgow Western who compete in National League 1 in Scotland.

What does your job involve?

I operate and manage the network of scouts that we have working for us across the globe. My role included identifying the best scouts for our program and ensuring that the network remains as comprehensive and dynamic.

What might you do in a day?

I meet lots of new faces on a daily basis, generally I can be found on the phone, answering emails or on Skype catching up with my scouts that are further afield.

What do you like most about your job?

I like meeting new people and taking them through the scholarship process. My job also involves a bit of travel which is always enjoyable. Hanging out in the office with the rest of the staff is always banter, seeing the boys struggle to get the basketball in the hoop always makes me giggle as well – call themselves athletes!

I think the best feeling is when one of our student-athletes commits to a scholarship and their name goes on the magic scholarship board.

What are your ambitions?

I would like to see us branch out and offer the opportunity of studying in the States to student-athletes from other countries. Studying in the States was the most amazing experience and I would recommend it to any talented athlete thinking about furthering their sport and education.

What is your claim to fame?

My claim to fame….hmmmmmmmmm that is a tough question! Really difficult to put down just one … Well I am talking about America so I will take one from my time in the States. I scored the game winner in overtime against Kent State which helped us qualify for the national tournament. I could go on an talk you through my goal but I think my colleagues would rip me apart for that. Let’s just say it was a belter of a goal!

What do you do in your free time?

I enjoy playing hockey and keeping fit, I love hanging out with my friends and spending time with my family. My twin sister lives in London so always enjoy a wee shopping spree down there.

5 interesting facts you might not know about Nicola Pitticas

I cannot wear Nike shoes and Adidas socks – my shoes and my socks need to match! So, for example, if I have plain shoes on I have got to wear plain socks. If I wear Adidas shoes, I have to wear Adidas socks.

It has been said that I can burp like a boy, it is a very bad habit.

My left foot is almost a size smaller than my right foot

My personal best for keep yuppies is 57!

I have a masters degree from the University of Glasgow which I completed after my time in the States.

If you are interested in finding out more about Field Hockey Scholarships with FirstPoint USA, check out our website!

Aisling Coyle, Client Services

Every month, we plan to catch up with one of our FirstPoint USA staff members, and give you a little insight into what brought them to FirstPoint USA and what keeps them here!

This months featured profile is Aisling Coyle. Aisling is fairly new to FirstPoint USA but has quickly established herself as a valuable member of our team.

Aisling began her career at FirstPoint USA working in an administrative role, manning the front desk, handing customer enquiries and processing applications amongst other duties. Aisling has since moved on to our Client Services team with Nicole Montoya. The girls in this department really work hard to help our clients with the transition from the assessment stage with our Sports Consultants, to our promotions team in the Clearing Department.

Aisling is forever on a personal and professional quest to reduce the size of her email inbox, and has become very knowledgeable very quickly about the in’s and out’s of SAT exams, the visa application process and the best ways to build our clients profiles to showcase their skills and abilities to US coaches.

Another important lesson Aisling has learned (the hard way) since joining the company…. is to avoid wine when having dinner with the other FirstPoint USA staff, and U.S coaches…..but that’s another story!

Before joining the company, Aisling has enjoyed great success in her sport, Field Hockey, in Scotland, and at Ohio State University. As a former client, Buckeye, Aisling is even a FirstPoint USA Hall of Famer! Aisling has a multitude of accolades she has aquired throughout her time in the U.S, most notably perhaps is becoming a 1st team All-American!

We caught up with Aisling for a bit of insight into what she’s about, where she’s been and what she gets up to in our Client Services Department :

What did you do before coming to FPUSA?

Before joining the Firstpoint team I was in the USA finishing my degree at The Ohio State University. I graduated in June 2011, moved home and started in Firstpoint in September 2011.

What’s your sporting background?

My sporting background is hockey or field hockey in the USA. I started playing when I was about 7 years old for my local team Kelburne.

Describe what your job involves

In client services we do a lot of different jobs. We are the main point of communication for our clients as we assist them through the preparation phase before the Clearing/Marketing Department. Myself and Nicole identify their initial eligibility for different leagues in the US and assist in getting a whole checklist of items and footage online. It can be a frustrating time for clients as understandably they wish to go “live” on the website ASAP, so we try to help them through the process as promptly and efficiently as possible.

What might you do in a day?

For the most part I’m in the office all day. In the morning I work through emails and calls from clients. To someone who hasn’t been through the recruiting process or the college experience before there are always questions that arise that maybe they hadn’t thought about in their initial interview. With the consultants travelling a lot it is nice for clients to have someone they can contact at all times. In the afternoon I work through the endless pile of items that have been sent to us from clients and see if anyone is ready to be passed to the next stage in the process; the Clearing Department.

What do you like most about your job?

I like passing clients over! I don’t mean that in a bad way, we have a great relationship with the clients in our department. However, what they really want is to start communicating with US coaches. I know how excited they are to finally start negotiating scholarships and see where they are going to be studying for the next 4 years.

What are your ambitions?

In the longterm I would love to live in Australia. My mum’s sister lives in Melbourne and it’s such a cool city. I love the UK but I HATE the weather! I can’t make long terms goals because I don’t look that far ahead. So for right now I want learn to play the guitar.

What’s your claim to fame?

Ehhh I don’t really have one! I feel like following on from Allen’s “related to Lithuanian royalty” is hard. I guess that I represented Scotland at hockey at U16/U18/U21 level. We went to the U21 World Cup in Chile which was a highlight.

What do you do in your free time/ what are your hobbies?

Right now I’m taking a break from hockey but I’m sure I will get back to it sometime. I enjoy traveling a lot and going to new places. I also love music so I try to get to as many gigs and festivals as possible.

How does it feel to be Tommy “the ref’s” Pin-Up Girl?

no comment!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Testimonial about Aisling Coyle, from Client Services colleague, Nicole Montoya :

“Aisling has a passion for music and festivals, and she’s always teaching me about bands and new songs. She finds comfort in knowing she has broadened my horizons culturally. She frequently educates me on Scottish-lingo (-Nicole is from Long Beach, California) and we enjoy a good debate every once in a while about American English versus British English. I would say the score is about 50/50.

Aisling is an absolute joy to work with, and I am very, very lucky to have her in Client Services. I truly do not know how I would cope with the workload without her, so thank you Aisling! She knows how to roll with the punches when the boys are attacking her for her preference for coffee every day instead of tea, when she always claims, “It’s much easier to make coffee than tea!”.

When I first met Aisling Coyle, I must say she was quite reserved and kept to herself for the most part. But, now that she is comfortable with all of us, she can’t stop talking about how she’s an All-American and how she could kick all of our butts, as long as she had her Field Hockey stick. She goes on and on about the amazing Ohio Buckeyes football games, and continually name-drops left and right!

No, but Aisling is honestly a very humble gal, and tries to downplay her successful Field Hockey career not only in Scotland, but also in the States. I think it’s absolutely amazing that she proved to compete at the highest level in her sport and represented her country…not many people can say that!

I think I speak on behalf of all of the office when I say that we all wish we could have seen her play when representing the Ohio State Buckeyes, maybe one day she’ll pick up that stick again!”

Allen McDougall, Media

Every month, we plan to catch up with one of our FirstPoint USA staff members, and give you a little insight into what brought them to FirstPoint USA and what keeps them here!

Our first featured profile is Allen McDougall. Allen is a key member of our media department and a well-liked character in the office. Allen is known as a “Mr Nice Guy” by his colleagues, especially by our Chief Executive Andrew Kean who personally spearheads a campaign to help bachelor Allen find love!

Allen works hard and is very passionate about his work, as well as about all sports. He has been so inspired by the FirstPoint USA fitness-loving environment that he has shed 2 stone in the last few months after pounding the gym and eating better! His main vice, it seems remains…his obsession with Cappuccino’s and the on-going office competition to make the best cup!

Allen has been with the company for nearly a year, and loves his job. He takes great pleasure in making sure that he trawls through all his footage meticulously, making sure he selects the best highlights for our clients to make them look their best for the American coaches. He also spends alot of time in contact with clients assisting them with enquiries and although he is busy, he is always keen to make sure our clients are happy with their footage. In this job, a great deal of travelling is involved and although the media team take turns, Allen is always quick to volunteer. Allen also plays a big part in organising the client games for our soccer clients. His special interest in soccer has even seen him stepping in to a coaching role, and even slipping on his Goalie gloves when need be!

We asked Allen a few questions in attempt to skim the psyche of this Pixie Lott loving rogue:

What did you do before coming to FPUSA?

I studied a degree in Product Design at Dundee University and Glasgow Caledonian University. I worked with a design company before joining FirstPoint USA. Working at FirstPoint USA has definitely been the highlight of my career so far!

What’s your sporting background?

I enjoyed sport from an early age. Tennis, Golf, Badminton……However, football (soccer) has always been my main sport. I was lucky enough to play in the Scottish pro youth leagues at under 16′s and under 18′s. When I was at University, I played for the first 11 football team in the UK Universities where I found the sports teams are more of a club/social thing. You train once/twice a week and play a Wednesday afternoon, and then go to the pub with the team after it…..which is no where near the same standard or level of commitment as in America! Looking back, I wish I had went out on a Sports Scholarship to America.

Describe what your job involves

I work in the media department where I edit the client footage we’ve filmed or received in the the post, and I upload it online for coaches in the US to view. The job involves traveling to film different sports, which I enjoy.

What might you do in a day?

First things first…..I get the kettle on to make a Cappuccino! It’s important to start the day right. Then, I respond to the client emails who might have media-related questions. After that, it’s usually time to edit and upload footage or arrange filming dates or venues to film etc. On other days, I could be traveling with the consultants to Client Matches or by myself to film a client.

What do you like most about your job?

I get to watch sport everyday, so it really is a dream job. I also enjoy working in a team and with all my colleagues at FirstPoint USA. There is never a boring day here, and when I’m watching footage….I think to myself that I could be watching a future Olympic Gold Medal Winner, a future Ryder Cup Golfer or a future Premiership Footballer. I get to travel about and meet all our clients, all with their own personalities but all with the same passion for their sport and an ambition of going out to America on a sports scholarship. It feels good when you hear that they have been placed to a college and it’s fulfilling to know that you’ve helped them to get there!

How did you become chief Cappa maker?

Through hard work and dedication. I’ve dedicated a lot of my spare time into making the perfect cappuccino. I’ve had a good cappa making days and I’ve had bad ones but I can now finally say that, yes – I am the best. Just ask Craig Hughes and Aisling Coyle who actually crave them when they come into the office!

What are your ambitions?

To win the euro millions and to marry Pixie Lott. Then we’ll live happily ever after in a huge castle.

What’s your claim to fame?

My great-grandparents were in the Lithuanian Royal family before emigrating to Scotland, after fleeing the Russians! (true story)

What do you do in your free time/ what are your hobbies?

Socializing. Listening to music and going to concerts. Going to the gym. Watching football (especially Rangers FC). Playing football (soccer). During the summer, I like the odd game of Golf and Tennis and in the winter, I play pool and beer pong.

Five Facts about Allen

I won the FirstPoint USA staff golf competition in the summer despite the unsporting antics of John Crawley and Kevin McCann. Those two could learn a little golfing etiquette!

I enjoy playing 8 ball and the team I play for won the league and cup double last season.

I’ve got a huge collection of football medals that I’ve won from my competitive playing days. The FirstPoint USA staff like to come around to my place (the golden penthouse) and wear the medals, pretending that they have won them themselves!

My favourite meal is Lemon Chicken and fried rice.

I have an unhealthy obsession for Pixie Lott. She is my dream girl.

Testimonial from colleague, Sports Consultant – Simone Enrici

Allen is a top lad. When I first met Allen he was a very shy individual. He would go to Starbucks at least 3 times per day for his Boss/Hero Andrew.

As days went on, he grew in confidence.

Allen is a popular lad around the office. He is an outgoing guy who likes to host penthouse parties, make terrible long boring speeches, pretend he is Eminem with his ipod, before passing out his bed at 10:20pm, not to make it out.

Allen is an impulse buyer (Tennis racket when Wimbledon’s on, P90X when he sees a six pack on a TV advert, Golf clubs, Badminton racket, Xtreme workout etc..basically anything he can waste his wages on.

I took me quite a while to change Allen’s mentality. I would like to think I took him under my wing. I continuingly encouraged Allen to join Greens gym.

Four months and two stone later, I am sure I deserve some credit for the change in him.

Allen is currently looking forward to filming at the FirstPoint USA Showcase Event at the London Soccerdome, where he is convinced he will meet and live happily ever after with Pixie Lott.

Craig Hughes, Clearing Department

Kevin McCann, Sports Consultant

Check out this interview of FirstPoint USA Sports Consultant, Kevin McCann as he reflects upon his time in America at Xavier University, and imparts some advice for any future athletes on an International Sports Scholarships.