Beth studied BA (Hons) Sports Development at Teesside and was part of the University’s Elite Athlete Scheme, which provides individual support to athletes with potential to compete at international level. She combined her studies with her full time playing commitments with SAFC Ladies.
Beth Mead said: ‘The Elite Athlete Scheme has really helped my development, my understanding of nutrition, strength and conditioning and the psychological aspect of my game.
‘You get extremely well-informed advice and support and it has enabled me to improve my game and become a better athlete.‘Being able to combine my studies with playing professionally has been hard work but I am thankful to both Sunderland AFC and Teesside University for making that a possibility.’
Matthew Wright, Sports Development Officer at Teesside University, added: ‘I’ve known Beth for a number of years, both through our work with the FA Centre of Excellence and her involvement on the Elite Athlete Scheme.
‘It has been fantastic to see her progression and she is now playing professionally and doing incredibly well in the Women’s Super League.’
Unlike most of the graduates Beth will need to curtail her celebrations as she is back in action on Sunday as Sunderland Ladies take on Arsenal Ladies in the FA Women’s Super League (Hetton Centre, 1pm).
MATCH INFO:
Sunderland Ladies v Arsenal Ladies, 1pm, 24th July, Hetton Centre, DH5 9NE
There are also family tickets available at £6 for one adult and one child, or £10 for two adults and two children. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased on the day.
