Tyler Dobinson had grown up in a professional environment at Exeter City. After his time at the club came to an end, he faced a big decision on what comes next.
Instead of settling or stepping away from football, he chose a different pathway. He took his game to the United States on a soccer scholarship.
Tyler spent his first two years at Herkimer College, where the environment felt familiar: standards were high, expectations were clear, and the level of competition challenged him to grow. The squad was made up of strong international players, many with academy backgrounds just like his. Those years shaped him, prepared him, and gave him exposure to college coaches across the country.
That led to his transfer to Barry University in Miami, an NCAA programme where the facilities, training environment, and support staff reflected exactly what he’d hoped to find. Strength and conditioning coaches. Sports science support. Physios, nutrition staff, recovery resources, academic advisors. A daily schedule that aligned football and education together.
He was playing and training at a professional level, while earning a degree.
He travelled across the U.S. to compete. He played in national tournaments. He lived on a campus where football mattered and he was surrounded by players who shared his ambition.
Most importantly, the experience developed him as an athlete and as a person. Discipline, independence, time management, resilience, confidence.
The same qualities that transfer into life and career long after football, where he now helps recruit the next generation of players for FirstPoint USA as a sports consultant.
This is why many players and families consider the U.S. route.
Because it offers:
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A competitive and structured football environment
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Access to world-class facilities and performance support
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A university degree with real value
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A pathway that keeps futures open, not restricted
And it all starts with understanding whether this path is right for you.
Next Step
The first stage is straightforward: attend a FirstPoint USA Football Trial.
