FirstPoint USA, the world's leading U.S. sports scholarship agency, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Sunfire Sports Academy, a premier sports development institution based in Abu Dhabi. This collaboration will empower aspiring young rugby players from the UAE, to pursue their dreams of playing and studying at universities across the United States.
Since 2001, FirstPoint USA has facilitated academic and athletic opportunities for over 40,000 students, securing more than $2.4 billion in scholarship funding. With rugby rapidly expanding as a collegiate sport in the U.S., FirstPoint boasts an extensive network of university rugby coaches and has successfully placed athletes at prestigious institutions such as Brown University, the University of Notre Dame, and Penn State University.
Located in Zayed Sports City, Sunfire Sports Academy offers a diverse range of sports programs for talented youth in the region. Their comprehensive rugby programs provide expert coaching for players of all ages, fostering development for the Abu Dhabi Harlequins with a team of experienced coaches and passionate educators.
Ben Compton, Founder of Sunfire Sports Academy, welcomed the new partnership:
"We are delighted to be working with FirstPoint USA. We look forward to benefiting from their extensive expertise and insights into the U.S. college pathway. They bring an impressive track record of guiding talented young rugby players to achieve great success in the States, and we've observed a growing interest among our players who are setting their sights on playing and studying overseas."
Stuart McCaffrey, Director of Sport for FirstPoint USA, added:
"It's fantastic to add Sunfire Sports Academy to our expanding portfolio of partners in the UAE. We're excited to collaborate with Ben and his team to support players considering the U.S. college rugby route. The sport's popularity is soaring in the States, and with increased investment in both the men's and women's collegiate game, more and more opportunities are opening up for aspiring athletes."
FirstPoint USA's Head of Rugby, Jamie Berrisford, will be instrumental in this partnership. A two-time All-American for Life University in Georgia, where he helped secure back-to-back National Championships, Jamie will work directly with Sunfire Sports Academy players who join FirstPoint. He will provide expert guidance to athletes and their families throughout the recruitment process, ensuring placement at the best-fit universities.
Furthermore, Sunfire Sports Academy will support FirstPoint USA's rugby assessment trials held in Abu Dhabi, further strengthening the collaboration.
Click here to visit the Sunfire Sports Academy website.
