Wondering what it's like to be part of UDA Soccer at the University of Chester? Join our webinar on April 24 to find out all about our Thanksgiving Tour coming up November 22-29, 2022!
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We offer a range of different opportunities for students because we know one-size doesn't fit all, so why should a university experience? It is well documented that presently, US collegiate soccer with its limited season and oversized rosters means little true development opportunities for many talented players, restricting student’s optimal development. Across all our Academies, our goals remains the same, to provide the world's best integration of university education and football experience so students can reach their potential in the classroom and on the field.  On both sides of the pond, our Academy locations allow every student the opportunity to study, live, and thrive. HERE'S A BREAKDOWN OF EACH UNIVERSITYAs well as what you can expect, to help you determine if this is a good fit for you. THE UNIVERSITY OF GLOUCESTERSHIRELocated in Gloucestershire, England, the University of Gloucestershire is considered the UK’s most sustainable university (People and Planet League 2019). Across three specialized campuses, Gloucestershire is home to over 10,000 students, over 80 competitive sports, clubs, and societies, with over 4,000 placements and internships completed by students. Set in the idyllic countryside with close proximity to the iconic Cotswolds and Shakespeare Country, Gloucestershire offers the best of a small city with the beauty of England's green and pleasant lands.
THE UNIVERSITY OF CHESTERThe University of Chester is home to 20,000 students from 130 different countries, with over 300 courses offered across 30 programs. While studying in the UK you will be able to earn your undergraduate degree in just three years. Most undergraduate degrees include a five-week work placement in your second year anywhere in the world!
The University of Chester aims to support and develop global citizens. Offering over 300 degree options across three specialized campuses, UoC has academic opportunities for everyone. Focusing on quality, most degree programs take a duration of three years to complete. In addition to its unique culture, Chester prides itself on offering a variety of student support options. From advice to personal guidance, the University wants all students to have a memorable experience during their course of study. NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITYThe UDA-US Academy follows the success and demand of the UDA-UK Academies located in Chester and Gloucestershire, England. The UDA-US Academy is open to students from around the world seeking to further their soccer development through multiple pathways, while studying at NMSU.
Even with a lot of great options, determining what may be a good fit for you isn't always easy. Know that you don't have to do any of this alone. We strongly encourage you to reach out to Recruitment Director, Seamus Reilly with SReilly@udauk.org or +1 614-421-8084 with any questions.
If you're interested in any particular academy, the best way to learn more is to attend a recruitment event. If you're unable to attend in-person, we recommend signing up for an online information session where we will answer all of your burning questions about a UDA Academy. If a UK Academy specifically interests you, we recommend checking out the degree courses offered at Chester and Gloucestershire to get an understanding of what program might be the best fit for you. 
What was it like for your parents when you left to study?They coped better with me leaving because they were more prepared; I was the second one to leave home, so they knew what to expect then. My sister had left for the U.S. a year ago, which was difficult for the entire family but especially our mom. One time, she cried when we bought some avocados and my sister — who loves avocados — wasn’t there to enjoy it with us. She was more composed when I left, but she once mentioned that she intentionally keeps herself busy to cope with our absence. Although my parents both admit that they miss us often, they have accepted that we will not be around all the time. How do you keep in touch, and how often?We keep in touch through video calls and texts mainly via Messenger. The frequency of our calls depends on how busy everyone is, but I text them at least once every two days to let them know I’m doing okay, which they appreciate. I also let them know if I’m busy or traveling so that they don’t have to worry about my lack of communication. We usually call once or twice a week now, but we used to talk more often when I first left home. TIP: I recommend keeping in touch with your family at least a few times a week, just to let them know you're thinking about them. It doesn't have to be anything major, it could just be a weather update, or what you're working on in a certain course. Do your parents worry about you? what do you do to ease their concerns?They don’t worry about me as much as they used to anymore, because they now understand that I will be fine on my own. However, my mom still gets concerned if I don’t reply to her messages or don’t respond as often, so I make sure that I talk to them and tell them about my life as much as I can. A lot of my friends are also international students and I have witnessed varied levels of concerns from parents. TIP: The best thing for us as students to do would be to understand our guardians, communicate with them, and keep them updated on our lives to let them know how we are doing. My parents also tell me that keeping busy has helped them not worry so much about us. My mom recently joined a university to get her Master’s degree, and she often tells me that this has been the perfect time for her to pursue education. TIP: We have a family group chat where we keep everybody updated on what is happening here as well as back home, so I think the best way to ease concerns for everyone is to keep in touch with family and keep yourself occupied. How often do you go home?I try to go home once every year, but that wasn’t possible due to the pandemic. I’m fortunate because the longest I have not been home is a year and a half, but I know that some of my international friends have not been home for much longer. How do you deal with being away from home?It was difficult at first — I missed the comfort of home, my family, the food...everything. Being in a new environment was not easy, especially since I could not fly back home for months. But I started making friends here and kept myself busy. I started working so I was alright after a couple of months. I still miss home and my family, but I also appreciate my life here. TIP: Find something to keep yourself busy — Whether that’s a new hobby or a campus club, having something to do can be the best way to combat homesickness or when missing a loved one. Traveling to a new location is stressful for everybody, which is why as part of the UDA family, we make sure our students receive assistance while settling into a new place. From helping with travel arrangements, banking, to setting up phone plans, we help make sure your studies go as smoothly as possible. Learn about our staff and how we assist our students here.
If you have any questions about the application process, travel plans, or life at your university, please contact us. 
Moving to a new location to complete university can be exciting, but also intimidating. Even seeing your child explore a different part of the world or country is something to look forward to, but it’s impossible not to worry about them or your family far from home. If you are in the process of sending your child off to study abroad in the UK, are a few states away, or are even a student living abroad or away from home, we have compiled some resources for you. Traveling to a new location is stressful for everybody, which is why as part of the UDA family, we make sure our students receive assistance while settling into a new place. From helping with travel arrangements, banking, to setting up phone plans, we make sure your studies go as smoothly as possible. We’re here to support you! Learn about our staff and how we assist our students. When you’re away from home it can be hard to know how to stay connected with family and friends. Here's some of our best advice: |
 | Meet Carlos Ramirez from Greeley, Colorado who will be joining the New Mexico State University Academy. |
Do you have any hobbies?
Playing video games, working out, and listening to music.
Favorite pro team/player?
My favorite player is Ronaldo.
Dream job?
Being able to be a pro-soccer player, or traveling and getting to study and/or help those in other cultures.
Favorite place you've ever visited?
My favorite place I’ve visited was Las Vegas, Nevada. Lots of attractions!
If you could event a holiday, what would you pick?
I would invent a traditions holiday where you celebrate and get to show off your culture and traditions.
Playing video games, working out, and listening to music.
Favorite pro team/player?
My favorite player is Ronaldo.
Dream job?
Being able to be a pro-soccer player, or traveling and getting to study and/or help those in other cultures.
Favorite place you've ever visited?
My favorite place I’ve visited was Las Vegas, Nevada. Lots of attractions!
If you could event a holiday, what would you pick?
I would invent a traditions holiday where you celebrate and get to show off your culture and traditions.
 | Meet Joshua Edlemann from Michigan who will be joining the University of Gloucestershire Academy. |
Do you have any hobbies?
I love to walk in the forest and enjoy the outdoors.
Favorite pro team/player?
My favorite team is FC Bayern Munich
Favorite place you've ever visited?
My favorite place I've visited was Stuttgart, Germany
Dream Job?
My dream job is to work for Audi.
If you could event a holiday, what would you pick?
National bacon day!
I love to walk in the forest and enjoy the outdoors.
Favorite pro team/player?
My favorite team is FC Bayern Munich
Favorite place you've ever visited?
My favorite place I've visited was Stuttgart, Germany
Dream Job?
My dream job is to work for Audi.
If you could event a holiday, what would you pick?
National bacon day!
 | Meet Reed Johnson who will be joining the University of Chester Academy. |
Do you have any hobbies?
I love to cook when I can as well as find and try all sorts of restaurants and cuisines.
Favorite pro team/player?
Professional team has to be Manchester United and Wayne Rooney.
Favorite place you've ever visited?
Favorite place I've ever visited would be the Seychelles.
Dream Job?
Dream Job would either be a lead project manager in any of the top software companies in Europe or back in the US.
If you could event a holiday, what would you pick?
A mini holiday in the winter to go out and celebrate with friends and family after Christmas and before New Years.
I love to cook when I can as well as find and try all sorts of restaurants and cuisines.
Favorite pro team/player?
Professional team has to be Manchester United and Wayne Rooney.
Favorite place you've ever visited?
Favorite place I've ever visited would be the Seychelles.
Dream Job?
Dream Job would either be a lead project manager in any of the top software companies in Europe or back in the US.
If you could event a holiday, what would you pick?
A mini holiday in the winter to go out and celebrate with friends and family after Christmas and before New Years.
Want To Learn More?
Immerse yourself in the history and the culture of the City of Chester during your time at the University! There are a lot of sights to see and do for everyone — whether you enjoy typical city life or want to immerse yourself in nature. Check out this guide for a wide range of activities in the Chester area!
want to learn more?
| BUSINESS MAJOR AND SOCCER PLAYER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER FROM DISCOVERY BAY, CA "Joining to UDA straight after high school was a big jump coming from a small town in California. I tried out for soccer in Phoenix, Arizona when I got an email about one of the trials. My mom and I decided this would be a great opportunity so we decided to drive 11 hours to Phoenix. I felt like those at UDA would take good care of me, and they did. My first year was amazing, and our best time on the pitch was the second year as everybody got better and we had some really good performances. |  |
The situation during the pandemic was less than ideal, and almost all of us went home when COVID broke out last year. UDA was on course to win the Northwest when the season had to be cut short, which was a bummer. But the staff was really helpful in letting us know whether it was a good idea or not for us to go home.
When we got back, we had a great couple months training but we had to wrap up again around November. The worst lockdown has been the third one, this January to March because we couldn't get to play — I have not seen a lot of my teammates since November. But we have now started training again so it's great to see my teammates."
When we got back, we had a great couple months training but we had to wrap up again around November. The worst lockdown has been the third one, this January to March because we couldn't get to play — I have not seen a lot of my teammates since November. But we have now started training again so it's great to see my teammates."
Meet Gaynor Crompton,
head of player support
"I work at UDA as the Head of Player Support. It has many strands by focuses on taking care of the boys and ensuring they have any support that is needed whilst they are in the UK — this can be in respect of personal, emotional, financial, academic and health issues, to name just a few. The student athletes are able to contact me at any time with issues or questions they have.
I also have an on-site presence at training sessions and accompany them to the majority of their games. When I am on the campus, I run one-on-one sessions where players can drop in for a chat. I also send out invitations for meetings with any of the boys who I feel need support. I do my best to keep them on track and address anything of concern if I become aware of any lack of engagement. The parents also have my contact details and they are able to contact me to discuss any issues or concerns.
I also have an on-site presence at training sessions and accompany them to the majority of their games. When I am on the campus, I run one-on-one sessions where players can drop in for a chat. I also send out invitations for meetings with any of the boys who I feel need support. I do my best to keep them on track and address anything of concern if I become aware of any lack of engagement. The parents also have my contact details and they are able to contact me to discuss any issues or concerns.
My favorite part of the job is being part of such a fantastic team. The staff at UDA show constant professionalism and work together to provide the boys with the best possible training and experience they can whilst in the UK. The UDA boys are such a great group to work with, the boys are always polite, respectful, and a joy to be around. I enjoy watching the boys develop and grow during their experience at UDA and being part of that journey and helping them to navigate through is very rewarding.
I was lucky enough to be asked to become involved with UDA as I have worked with Joel Roberts for 13 years whilst at the College. Joel asked me initially whether I would help to set up the UDA program in the UK and assist with the safeguarding and welfare of the boys. If I'm being honest, I thought that this was a role that I would do for 12 months and then pass onto someone else. However, I feel in love working on the program, being around the boys and liaising with the families. The team in the UK are also a joy to work with so I have stayed and I hope to do so for the foreseeable future!
How does uda prepare students for university?
“We spend a lot of time in preparation before our students go to college. First, we introduce them to the program and share our expectations. We also invite them to an ID camp where they get to meet us one-on-one in person. Then, we invite them to an orientation where our UK staff come over to our US staff to ensure that students and staff are at the same place for the weekend. In this way, the first stage of the preparation is in the US. We also have a strong support network in the UK — from the coaching staff to the university — to guide students through their programs. As students come to the end of their careers, we hold two events. The first one is at the start, which is the Dream Maker program. The other event is a series called Life After UDA where we talk about visa process as well as soccer and career opportunities. In this way, we are involved in helping our students navigate their college life before they get there, once there, and help them figure out what they are going to do after.”
| "Typically, American students will go through three to four months of training, but with UDA, they will train for nine months of the year. The students also play more games — we guarantee our student athletes 25 to 30 games." -Seamus Reilly, Director of Recruitment for UDA Soccer |  |
What are some advantages of pursuing higher education through uda?
“One of the biggest advantages for a player to pursue a program through UDA is the longevity of the training seasons. Typically, American students will go three to four months in training, but with UDA, they will train for nine months of the year. The students also play more games — we guarantee them 25 to 30 games. In addition to playing 25 to 30 games, the students are also going to be coached by professionals that have played in professional games, and now have coached in the professional game. Players gain three crucial benefits: longer playing, longer training, and the guidance of qualified professionals.”
What are you looking for in your players?
“We want to make sure our students complete the course, so we’re looking for students who are in good academic standing. We’re also looking for students with good character — honesty and reliability. We also want our players to be able to think critically so that they can solve problems without help. We have played with very technical players who have good mechanics, and are highly skilled, and that is usually what I look for in our potential players.”
What advice do you have for those who are considering applying to a uda program?
“Research the programs. Do as much research as you can on the potential programs; make it a job to research the program and your college opportunities.”
How do you help students plan their academic life?
“We first ask students what they think would fall in line with their career goals. We also ask them to think about the cost: whether the program is affordable. Finally, we advise them to find a program that can go side-by-side with their soccer and academic career.”
My name is Brevin McCurdy and I am from Coshocton, Ohio. I started playing soccer when I was three years old, and I've grown a passion through playing and enjoying the game. It has been my life in a way. Soccer is very important to me outside of my academics and my family. I started playing locally and then began to play with Director of Recruitment, Seamus Reilly. Seamus has taught me so much about the game and also about life. My passion and love for soccer has been there from a young age, and it increased when I met him.
This year, I will be heading over to Chester in England to study sports coaching and play in the UDA Academy. I first heard about UDA through Coach Reilly, he told me about the academy and talked about its programs in terms of education as well as soccer, where I learnt about the University of Chester after I attended the Player ID camp. Katy Davenport [the International Officer at the University of Chester] had come in and talked about the university. Once I saw the university and what it has to offer, I knew UoC is where I wanted to be. I also had the chance to visit Chester where I visited the university and got to meet some of the coaching staff. The place felt like home even then.
There are a lot of brilliant things about the university — work-based experience, getting degrees in a shorter amount of time, etc. it’s just different from what we have here [in the US]. I’m also excited to meet new people and have new experiences. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime to get your education and experience a different culture while also playing soccer. I love to travel, and I love to see different things. In a small town that I come from, you don’t usually hear about opportunities like this. I’m very excited to study abroad.
We're excited to see you acorss the pond, Brevin!
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