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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 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."
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