FirstPoint USA
"I had been thinking about going to America since I was 15 but as I progressed with Everton, my interest faded. However, I was then informed about FirstPoint USA by my tutor in college and he encouraged me to think about the possibility of America again and put me in touch with them."
Soccer Showcase
"I thought the showcase game was a lot of fun! Everyone was very accommodating and the facilities were great. The FirstPoint USA staff and coaches looked after us well, making sure we were warmed up correctly and helping us to relax before our game."
Choosing a University
"This was definitely the hardest and biggest decision I've ever made. For me, it was important to go to the States to challenge myself, and to develop and learn as a player. I had interest from some really good Universities with amazing facilities which were very attractive. The University of Memphis got in contact with me quite late in the process of finding a university, but once I had looked at the set up and standard of the team it was too hard to say no. I felt that after speaking to the coach a couple of times and finding out what he was like we got on well and i was sure that he would help push me to my limits and get the best out of me."
Goals!
"My goals out of attending The University of Memphis are: to become a better player, to fight for a regular spot in the team, to go on to play for my national team and potentially play for a professional team after I leave. I hope to enjoy it, meet amazing people and have a continued life in the States."
The FirstPoint USA program
"I came into the program quite late, so i did a few things back to front! The FirstPoint USA staff were extremely helpful in getting me sorted and up to date to ensure that I was eligible to go. I was always able to ring up or email and ask for advice on any situations, and they were very easy to speak to. There are staff there who have been through what I was going through, and I found this reassuring to be able to ask for their advice. Barry Neville and Nicole Montoya were especially helpful in aiding me to make my decision.
I was definitely overwhelmed by the offers I had - it was very unexpected! At the same time I was relieved to have so many options available to me. Many offers I had were significant, which allowed me to be more picky with where i wanted to go.
I would definitely recommend FirstPoint USA to anyone who was interested in persuing a University degree in America. They were extrememly helpful and I felt they had a genuine concern for me and ensuring that I do as well as I can."
Lucy's Advice
"Give yourself enough time! Haha! its a longer process than I first thought.... and be organised!"
Kevin McCann was Lucy's appointed Sports Consultant at FirstPoint USA, and was pleased to hear the news about her scholarship to the USA :
"Lucy Cunningham played in the 2011 Showcase, and blew everyone away! She showed us all how talented she is and, even though she comes from such a high level, she is very down to earth. Lucy has been great to work with, and I wish her the best of luck for her time in the USA."
- Kevin McCann (Sports Consultant, FirstPoint USA)
Lucy has certainly made an impression on all of our staff here at FirstPoint USA, at each stage in the program! Barry Neville from our Clearing department played a key role in promoting Lucy to universities in the States, and for matching her to her chosen University in the end. "Lucy was very easy to work with from the moment she came onto the FirstPoint USA program. She showed a lot of hard work and dedication to complete her task lists very quickly, expediting the process. Any extra information we needed or tasks were also dealth with very quickly. We are delighted that Lucy has been able to secure a scholarship to such a prestigious University." - Barry Neville (Clearing Department)We would love to thank Lucy, for taking the time to let us in on her story, and we wish her every success in the United States. The University of Memphis
