We recently caught up with FirstPoint USA client, Able Kpogho; one of the newest soccer players to join our ranks. With his father hailing from Nigeria and his mother from Uganda, Able tells us he was born and raised in England, attending both Kingsbury Green Primary School and Kingsbury High School. Here, Able shares with us, some more information about his sporting background, his reasons for wishing to pursue a sports scholarship in the US, and his future aspirations.
Able has had a keen interest in soccer from a young age, telling us that he began to pursue his dreams to be the very best player from the age of five – it’s a sport he’s always had a love for. Able states that in Year 6, his school team reached the cup final due to an outstanding, unbeaten run. At age 11, Able began to play for Headstone Manor FC, Middlesex and due to the outstanding performances made by the team, in his debut year, they won the division; winning every match bar one. Able adds that, since Year 7, he has been involved in every school soccer team.
With an extensive sporting background behind him already, we asked Able to tell us about his favourite sporting memory to date. He stated, “My favourite sporting memory has to be my Year 6, semi-final football match. This is because we were playing in very heavy rain, which was challenging. I remember going on an intense run, from defence to the attacking third, to assist my teammate to go 1-0 up. We won the match 2-1, putting us in the final. It was a difficult, yet fun match to play.”
Able tells us that pursuing a soccer scholarship in the US was something that he wished to do as he believes, in order to further his playing career, he needs to have a change of environment – a more competitive atmosphere and more games to play. Adding, “to be able to do this, and study full-time towards a degree, is the perfect option as you cannot do this in many countries.”
Upon beginning his life as a student-athlete, Able tells us that he is most looking forward to earning his degree whilst also doing what he loves. Able adds that, travelling with his team to different states to play different teams will be an enjoyable, yet challenging experience.
We often ask our newest clients to tell us about their top sportspeople of all time. Here’s what Able had to say...
“One sportsman I look up to has to be Neymar, because he left his home country to play for the best teams in the world, such as Barcelona and PSG. His consistently good performances have led him to captain his country and be a part of the Team of the Year numerous times.
The second sportsman I look up to is, Thierry Henry, because he achieved a lot for my favourite club, Arsenal. He is the top goal scorer of all time for Arsenal, and was a part of ‘The Invincible Team’, 2003-2004.
Another sportsman I look up to in, Lewis Hamilton. There was a part of his career in which he wasn’t performing well and wasn’t scoring any points, but he was able to turn it around, and is now the current champion of the F1 season.”
Finally, we asked Able where he sees himself being in 10 years time. He states that he hopes to have achieved his degree, and either be playing professionally or owning his own company; living in a nice home, and earning a decent amount of money.
We’d like to thank Able for catching up with us. We’ll keep you updated on Able’s progress throughout the scholarship process across our various social media platforms; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Apply to FirstPoint USA today for your once in a lifetime opportunity to head to the States on a sports scholarship:
