 At UDA, we encourage our student-athletes to push their limits and apply their knowledge in the real world. This part summer, third-year student, Reed Johnson did just that. Reed is pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Software Engineering, and was offered a paid, full-time internship at Atlas Copco in Wales as a Mechatronics Engineer. While working on the Research and Development Controls Team developing software for high precision automotive robotics, he independently developed a new feature which will be released within the upcoming months to well-known clients such as Ford, Tesla, and many other automotive companies around the world. In addition to this major project, he was a part of the Atlas Copco’s Global Industrial Internship Program where he worked on a team with other interns from around the world on strategic topics for Atlas Copco. His team was tasked with designing solutions which would improve digital automation across the company’s work units and project managers.
As a team, they traveled at the end of August to present their proposal to senior management at the corporate headquarters in Nacka, Sweden, right outside Stockholm. This was the conclusion of his amazing summer internship experience at Atlas Copco, after which his focus will shift back to training and finishing up his final year of study to complete his degree in Software Engineering. Reed notes that his internship has been an invaluable experience and has allowed him to connect with a fantastic company and with many great individuals, while having real world work experience and working on code for this Atlas Copco. We love hearing about these opportunities for our student-athletes as we want them to be set up for success after graduation. Congrats, Reed!
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At UDA, our commitment to student success goes beyond the pitch. To help our students develop personal and professional growth during their university experience and beyond, we developed the Dream Maker Program alongside the UDA SUCCESS Foundation. The Dream Maker Program is dedicated to fostering the personal and professional growth of our student-athletes, helping them collaborate with their universities’ career and employability resources so they can grow their employability opportunities post graduation. Developed and led by Dr. Scott Johnson, in alignment with the visionary goals set by UDA founder Dr. Brian Haley, this program aims to equip UDA students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen fields.  The UDA Circle of SuccesS The Dream Maker Program is designed to provide UDA students with a holistic approach to personal and professional development. By offering mentorship, guidance, and resources, the program sets UDA students on a path to success. From their university studies to post-graduation, students benefit from the expertise and support provided by the program. Supporting Career DevelopmenT The Dream Maker Program collaborates closely with the Careers Offices and Employability Resources of universities our students attend. This collaboration offers our students ongoing individual student relationships, group conversations, presentations, support building a portfolio, application guidance, job search tools, and advice and insight from alumni and industry experts. With these resources, our students are prepared with the necessary tools to navigate the job market successfully. Meet Dr. Scott Johnson, CEO of the UDA SUCCESS FoundationHeading the Dream Maker Program is Dr. Scott Johnson. Holding a Ph.D. in management and marketing from Arizona State University, an MBA in international business from the University of San Francisco, and a BS in business administration-marketing from California State University, Fresno, Dr. Johnson brings a diverse range of knowledge to the program. Having taught at the University of Greenwich in the UK, Dr. Johnson has a deep understanding of the European academic landscape. His experience in designing professional development and leadership courses, building external partnerships, and conducting assessment centers and team-building activities for students has equipped him with invaluable insights into employability. Dr. Johnson's extensive background as a marketing executive and his three-decade-long tenure as a professor, program director, and business school Dean have allowed him to advise hundreds of students on career preparation and oversee their internships. By leveraging each student's unique experiences and strengths, Dr. Johnson fosters their career readiness competencies through supportive feedback and networking opportunities. Our Dream Maker Program demonstrates our commitment to the comprehensive development of our student-athletes. Through close collaboration with universities, personalized mentorship, and access to industry insights, the program equips UDA students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success. Under the guidance of Dr. Scott Johnson, the Dream Maker Program has become a cornerstone of UDA's commitment to empowering its students both during their university journey and beyond. For more information about the Dream Maker Program, please reach out to Dr. Scott Johnson at [email protected].  We are thrilled to announce the inaugural First Annual UDA All-Star Iceland Showcase! In January 2024, top players from UDA Soccer Academies in the USA and UK will gather in the land of ice and fire for an extraordinary display of talent and sportsmanship. Taking place in Iceland, renowned for its rich football culture and breathtaking landscapes, this event promises to be a true celebration of UDA Soccer excellence. From captivating matches against elite Icelandic U19 teams to immersive training sessions with esteemed Icelandic coaches, our players will have the opportunity to shine on a global stage.
But the UDA All-Star Iceland Showcase isn't just about the competition. It's a journey of cultural exploration and personal growth. Participants will embark on the unforgettable "Golden Circle Tour," visiting iconic natural wonders such as Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss. They will also indulge in relaxation and rejuvenation at The Sky Lagoon, a remarkable geothermal pool and spa.
UDA Soccer is proud to provide this incredible opportunity for our talented returning athletes to showcase their skills, gain exposure, and create lasting memories. We can't wait to witness the magic unfold on the pitches of Iceland! UDA Soccer - Pathway to the Professional Game. TENTATIVE SCHEDULEThursday, January 4 –
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Saturday, January 6 –
Sunday January 7 –
Monday January 8 –
HEAR FROM STEVIE THIRAWIT, ONE OF OUR ORIGINAL UDA UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER STUDENT-ATHLETES!8/22/2022 Stevie is currently completing his Masters in Chester via an online option. He has successfully applied for his graduate visa and intends to live in Chester for the foreseeable future.  Stevie is currently completing his Masters in Chester via an online option. He has successfully applied for his graduate visa and intends to live in Chester for the foreseeable future. "As one of the first intake of UDA players to come to Chester it was a scary and risky decision. But after going through the 4 years I can honestly say that the risk was worth it. I graduated with my BS(c) Honors in Psychology combined with Sport and Exercise Science and then continued my education studying a Masters in Communications and Behavioral Analysis. As well as the educational factor being successful, I also saw a huge improvement in my footballing ability. This is due to the exceptional coaching staff that coach at the highest level. We are also exposed to different levels of football to enhance our development. I want take the time to thank all the UDA staff for making my footballing time in Chester enjoyable (Joel, Macca, Graham, Jared, Craig, Nathan. And Rich) I also want to thank Gaynor for making the transition to Chester and the transition to life after UDA easier cause without her we would be truly lost." ~ Stevie Thirawit  Reed is coming back for his second year when he returns in September and is studying Software Engineering. In his words:
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!
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 [email protected] 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: |
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