Gary’s Scholarship Success Hits The Headlines!

April 17, 2013 by Rosie

We’re pleased to see recent soccer scholarship recipient, Gary Giffin, has been featured in the East Kilbride News!

From the article:

The American dream beckons for Westwood footballer Gary Giffin after he signed a four-year soccer scholarship at Midland University. The 18-year-old will head out to Nebraska on July 17 to embark on his journey towards becoming a professional footballer with the FirstPoint USA programme.

And the central midfielder, who has played for Rangers and Ayr United boys’ clubs, revealed he turned down a host of offers from other institutions in New York and South Carolina in favour of the team in America’s heartland. He told the News: “I had offers from a number of colleges throughout the US, but I’m really glad I chose Midland.

“I had an offer from Feather River College in Quincy, California one from USC Salkehatchie in South Carolina and one from Munroe College in New York. But I choose Fremont, Nebraska because I met with Midland’s Craig Hughes down in London to speak about a deal and he made a real impression. Craig told me about Midland and the way they treat their players. It’s out of this world.

“To me, Midland is like a professional team and the facilities they have are second to none – apparently a lot better than all the Scottish Premier League teams. Sean Fraser, the head coach at Midland, has been very good to me and thinks very highly of me so I can’t wait to get started.”

The former Duncanrig Secondary School pupil was recommended to FirstPoint USA by his coach at Rangers, and Gary was soon playing in trial games before passing the interview stage with flying colours.

He was then offered a four-year deal and can’t wait to get started this summer. He added: “I was so proud when I was offered the contract.

“It’s what I have always wanted to do – and now it’s real. I am most looking forward to progressing in my soccer career, traveling America, meeting new people and taking on new challenges. But being treated like a professional footballer will be a big thing for me, too. It’s a very big step but it’s one I’m thriving on. I think I will cope well with all the challenges this will throw at me and although I’m sure I’ll get a bit homesick, that’s just something I’ll have to deal with.

“In the next four years, I hope to achieve great things, get noticed as a college player in the States and make a name for myself by helping Midland win titles. After those four years, the ultimate goal is to play professional soccer .

“I want to thank my mum and dad, who have stuck by me my whole life in football for helping me get to this stage.

“And I also I want to thank Sean Fraser and Craig Hughes from Midland for giving me this chance to achieve my dreams.”

Read more: East Kilbride News

Well done Gary, we wish you the best of luck in the USA!

Do you think you have what it takes to secure a soccer scholarship to the USA, like Gary? Apply now for your assessment!

A Day in the Life: NCAA vs NAIA Soccer

April 10, 2013 by Rosie

Guest blogger, and FirstPoint USA soccer athlete, Damian O’Hare is currently in Georgia at Brewton-Parker College on a soccer scholarship.

Damian has been writing about his first experiences in the US on his blog, which you can check out here.

This week, Damian has been comparing his academic and athletic schedule with that of his friend, Michael Tuohy, who is also in the U.S on a soccer scholarship secured through FirstPoint USA:

I’ve had many people ask me over my time here so far of what exactly a day in the life of a student athlete entails, particularly soccer. A lot of my friends think it’s all fun and games, just chilling in the sun, kicking a ball about then attending some crazy Frat party before waking up the next morning to do it all again…unfortunately it’s not (the truth mum, honestly!)

In action @ Southern Wesleyan, South Carolina.

I received an e-mail from First Point USA, my former agency, asking me to do a guest blog for future students on what exactly a typical day would be for a student athlete. I will include my own schedule during season in the NAIA, along with my good friend Michael Tuohy’s, himself a former FPUSA client, to show a comparison between the two levels. Michael plays for the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania in the NCAA.

My day would be pretty full on during season. This is how my Monday would typically be;

7:30am; Wake up, breakfast
8:00am; Work study
9:30am; Class
11:30am; Lunch
12:30pm; Class
2pm; Class
3:30pm; Practice
5pm; Treatment, back to dorm rooms, shower
6pm; Dinner
7pm; Gym
9pm; Library to study, complete assignments and homework
11pm; Back to dorm, shower, sleep.

It really was a full on day and this was a day without a 7 hour bus trip to an away game!

Michael’s schedule at NCAA DI Pittsburgh on a typical day:

Michael in action for Pittsburgh.

7:30am; Wake up, breakfast
10-11am; Study Hall
11am; Head to the stadium, ready for practice
12:3pm; Training, followed by treatment on any injuries
4-5pm; Classes depending on the day
6pm-; Homework, dinner, take care of errands, speak to family back home, sleep.

As you can see, the schedules are both pretty intense but if you take both your training and academics seriously rather than prioritise one over the other, then they are both very manageable. We both keep in contact with one another, and even ended up on the same flight home for Christmas, totally coincidental!

It is a once in a life-time experience being a student athlete and even though you are burned out after most days, it will be one of the best things you could possibly take on. We both highly recommend the USA college experience to everyone, as no matter what level you have played to back home it really is such a great opportunity to come here; both academically for your future and for your own sporting career.

Follow michael’s journey @tuohy_michael on twitter, and myself @theboyohare

Contact: damianohare12@gmail.com

We’d like to thank Damian & Michael for taking the time to write such a great blog post!

For more information, or to register for a soccer assessment , apply online today

Can Sports Save Mankind?

March 26, 2013 by Rosie

Can Sports Save Mankind? infographic

Do you think you have what it takes to secure a scholarship to study in the USA while playing your favourite sport? Apply now for your assessment!

Study Tips: Which Kind of Learner Are You?

March 5, 2013 by megan hammond

No matter which school, university or college you go to or what course you do or subject you take, you will have to do some sort of studying. Everyone has their own ways of learning and revising which are suited to them. There are 3 well known categories of learning: visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Some people feel they can only learn one of these ways but often the best learners are a combination of all three.

Visual Learners

Some people may be what is known as ‘Visual Learners’, where they take information in from diagrams, colour coded information, e.g. highlighted sections. When studying for exams these types of learners often create mindmaps or ‘spiderwebs’. A mindmap is normally based around one heading which is placed in the middle. Subheadings will be expanded from that centre heading, and then further headings from those subheadings and so on. Students often use this idea to test their knowledge of a heading and to see how much they really have remembered about that topic. The idea of the mindmap is, it is in the style of a tree branching out, with smaller sections; each branch is connected to the previous branch but is elaborated or linked. As said before, another good idea for Visual Learners is to highlight in colour. As seen on the example below, colour can be used to highlight the subtopics or used to link with other information from a different section. The great thing about the mindmap is that it is a basic idea which can be altered or styled however the student may like.

Visual Learners also study and learn well by reading and writing. Often some students read over their textbook and notes which sometimes might work can often result in the information not being retained. A good way to study, especially for Visual Learners, is to copy out some notes, then go back and highlight the key points to that sentence. When reading over your notes closer to the test, the highlighted words will stand out to you.

Kinesthetic Learners

Others are known as being more sided to being Kinesthetic Learners, which is a type of learning that must be very hands-on. Often for these types of learners, they do lots of writing instead of reading. They also think it is beneficial to do activities to learn. This could be anything from making a poster, to creating and playing a game with questions for their subject, or even creating flashcards. For Kinesthetic Learners it is important for them to take regular breaks as sitting down for a while will affect their learning and studying. These types of learners are often keen on sport so it is important they get exercise and fresh air as much as they can to increase their ability to take in knowledge.

As only 5% of the population are Kinesthetic learners there haven’t been many things created for them to help them study. However Kinesthetic learners are often good with coming up with ideas themselves and managed to find some hands-on approaches to help them study and take in all the information they need.

Auditory Learners

The last type of the three styles of learning is ‘Auditory Learners’. When it comes to studying for exams, Auditory Learners often do not write or read to study but they study best by listening. They may read out loud or get a family member or friend to read things to them. Often they may get their lecturers or teachers to record their classes so the student can listen back to what has been said. Again, this is quite a difficult style to create lots of ideas from, but certain things can be done to help these types of students. These students also find is easier to study whilst listening to music, certain music may be played in order to keep them more calm if they are confused or stressed about their exams, but also some music may be played to keep them more awake or feel upbeat so they can study better. More and more students these days are finding it easier to study with music playing in the background. Also some students, who learn by listening, often make notes by saying them out loud and recording them then listening to them back or even some play it while they sleep and wake up and feel the information has gone in.

Tips

Some final overall tips for studying are the four things which are told very often but not carried out enough. The first tip is that you should make sure you sleep enough. A good sleep should be 7-8 hours each night. Some students work better in the mornings, and others better at night, therefore, time your sleep around what you prefer doing. However, going to sleep too late often messes with your body clock, and remember, some days you may have to get up early for an exam. The second tip is that you should make sure you eat regularly and healthily. Breakfast is important as well as a lunch and dinner. Three meals a day, maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The third important tip is exercise. Exercise is recommended as ti means you can take breaks from studying, and also get away from your study environment, which is better for the brain to relax and for you to concentrate. Finally, it is very important you take breaks. A good idea to make sure you carry out all these tips is to create your own study timetable which can highlight what topic or subject you will do each day, when you will take breaks and times of each.

Do you have what it takes to play your sport and study in the USA? Register today for a UK assessment with FirstPoint USA and find out!

Interview With Former LA Galaxy Player: Daniel Keat

February 28, 2013 by Rosie

Recently, we’ve been joined at FirstPoint USA HQ by former LA Galaxy player, Daniel Keat. We caught up with Daniel to discuss his time as an international student in the USA, playing soccer at Dartmouth College, and his experiences playing professional soccer since graduating.

Do you have what it takes to play your sport and study in the USA? Register today for a UK assessment with FirstPoint USA and find out!

Being a College Soccer Coach

October 11, 2012 by Rosie

We recently caught up with FirstPoint USA sports consultant Andy McNab to get an insight into his experiences coaching college soccer in the U.S. Andy is a former FirstPoint USA soccer scholarship recipient who both played for, and coached Salem University teams.

1. Hi Andy, when did you first become interested in coaching?

Throughout my time in the USA, I got involved with the youth coaching set up within West Virginia. I really enjoyed that aspect of my life out there, so when the opportunity to coach at college level came around I jumped at it!

2. What is your coaching background?

Salem International University- Graduate Assistant Men’s Coach (2008-2009)
Greenville College – Assistant Men’s and Women’s Coach (2009-2010)
Salem International University – Head Women’s Coach (2010-2012)

3. How exactly did you fall into it?

During my last year, I spoke with my coach about my future and he offered me the chance to be his assistant, so that worked out nice!

4. Can you describe a typical day in the life of a coach?

Everyday is different! In pre-season it’s up at 5 for a 6am practice and then getting home later after 3 or 4 training sessions. There is always recruiting going on, either on the phone or going to watch matches, it really is a 24/7job!

5. What was you biggest coaching achievement?

Getting that first win is always a great moment, but my job was more to rebuild the whole women’s program, so knowing I left it in better shape than I got it was a great thing. Going to nationals with Greenville’s Men’s team was great experience, and also working with such people as Caleb Porter (New Portland Timbers coach and U23 USA National Coach) was a great experience.

6. Do you think you would have had the same coaching opportunities in the UK?

Not to the same standard anyway. Being a coach at the college level is a lot of people’s dream job, and it was fantastic experience.

7. How can a sports scholarship to the USA help with becoming a coach?

It’s a necessity to me. Even to start being a part of the whole system, to understand the day to day life of being a student athlete. I think that is half the battle of being a college coach, as you have to understand what your players are going through every day. It also allows you to network while you play, and there is a lot of opportunity to coach.

8. What advice do you have for anyone who is considering a future in soccer coaching?

Get into the youth coaching as soon as you can. It gives you the experience coaching in America and how recruiting is done, as coaches will be looking at your players. From the people you meet then makes connections for that potential job!

Do you think you have what it takes to secure an athletic and academic scholarship to the USA like Andy? Apply now for your free assessment!

Most Popular U.S colleges for International Students

October 9, 2012 by Rosie

We’ve created the infographic below to show you the most popular American colleges for international students…

Do you think you have what it takes to secure an athletic and academic scholarship to the USA? Apply now for your free assessment!

Freshman Facts

September 14, 2012 by Rosie

Check out this freshman facts infographic from Bachelors Degree Online, containing the most popular colleges, freshman stats and common misconceptions!

Do you think you have what it takes to secure a scholarship to study in the USA while playing your favourite sport? Apply now for your assessment!

Football vs Football

September 1, 2012 by Rosie

Check out this infographic comparing American football with soccer, interesting to see how the two games compare, especially how players are acquired in the U.S for American football vs UK soccer!

Think you’ve got what it takes to secure a soccer scholarship to the U.S?

Top 10 Olympic 2012 Moments

August 14, 2012 by Rosie

Having just held an Olympic Games described as the ‘best modern Olympic Games ever‘ we decided to round up some of the most memorable moments from London 2012:

1. Mo Farah’s 10,000 and 5000m Triumph

Farah’s incredible win over the weekend makes him one of only six men to claim the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres titles at the same Olympics. He joins athletics superstars such as Czech Emil Zatopek, Soviet Vladimir Kuts, and Finland’s Lasse Viren, who did the double at both the 1972 and 1976 Games. Our greatest athlete said after his victory: “Two gold medals? Who would have thought that? It’s a dream, and everything worked out well. The crowd were amazing. They made an unbelievable noise.” – The Guardian

2. Ussain Bolt’s 100m Record

London 2012 saw Usain Bolt set a new record of 9.63 seconds for the 100m sprint. Bolt is now only the second man in the modern era of the sport to win two consecutive 100m Olympic finals the first was Carl Lewis in 1984 and 1988.

3. Jamaican Relay Team Set New Record

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake led their team to gold and a new world record in the men’s 4×100-meter relay final on the last second Saturday of the Olympics, bringing an intense end to the competition at the London Olympic Stadium. The Jamaican team, including, Bolt, Blake, Frater and Carter finished in 36.84, with Bolt drawing cheers as he ran the electrifying last leg.

“For me, it’s just a wonderful feeling to end on a high note,” he told the BBC with a big smile. “I knew it was possible, I wish we could have gone faster, but I guess it leaves room for improvement.” - The Telegraph

4. Chris Hoy’s Final Olympics

Having won gold on the first night of the track cycling in the men’s team sprint, Hoy’s triumph in the keirin was the perfect finale for Team GB. Hoy’s six golds take him past rowing great Sir Steve Redgrave’s five. And with a silver from Sydney 2000 as well, he equals Bradley Wiggins’s record total of seven medals. The 36-year-old Scot is sure he will not carry on for a fifth Games in 2016, but he is already assured of his status as track cycling’s greatest ever sprinter.

5. Jessica Ennis’ Heptathlon Gold

In one of the most iconic moments of the London 2012 Games, Ennis, considered by some as one of the faces of the Games, fulfilled her destiny with a series of outstanding personal bests that left her rivals helpless.

6. Murray’s Win at Wimbledon

Murray beat the Swiss world number one in straight sets, 6-2 6-1 6-4, on a raucous Centre Court. The 25-year-old is the first British man to win the Olympic tennis singles gold medal since Josiah Ritchie in 1908. Murray had never beaten Federer in a best-of-five-sets match and lost to him in this year’s Wimbledon final.

“It’s number one for me – the biggest win of my life,” said Murray. - BBC Sport

7. Phelps’ Final Gold Medal

Despite having admitted that he hadn’t trained as hard for the 2012 Olympics as he had in previous years, Phelps ended his Olympic career on a high, securing a jaw-dropping 22 medals for swimming over the years, 18 of which have been gold, making him the most decorated Olympian ever!

8. Bradley Wiggins Gold

The 32-year-old is now Britain’s most prolific Olympian, his gold medal taking his personal tally to seven, one ahead of Sir Steve Redgrave, and all that just 10 days after becoming the first brit to win the Tour De France!

9. U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Win

The U.S. women’s soccer team entered the London Olympics determined to win, after a heart-breaking loss to Japan in the 2011 Women’s World Cup Final. In a rematch, both teams met again to compete for the Olympic Gold. This time around the U.S. were the victors after a tight 2-1 victory played at London’s historic Wembley Stadium.

10. Sarah Attar’s 800m Standing Ovation

Sarah Attar finished last and more than a half-minute slower than her nearest competitor in the women’s 800 meters. Yet hundreds rose to give her a standing ovation as she crossed the finish line.

Are you interested in finding out more about scholarships for the sports mentioned in this post? All you have to do is register for your assessment and we could be helping you on your way to the USA!

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