It’s an exciting time for Sports Recruiting USA’s players as they’re either returning to the USA or are about to embark on an incredible new journey…
We let SR USA take up the story:
It is an exciting time but also a time of mixed emotions for players as well, as they leave home and look to start their new lives in America. Homesickness is certainly hard to overcome, but as you grow into your team and a new, hectic schedule, it is something that is less and less of an issue.
We follow the progress of all of our players as they head across the pond, to make sure they are settling in well and any teething problems can be sorted. The impact of social media, not around 10 years ago, means that you are only a facetime call away from seeing family back home, which is a massive help.
For the first couple of weeks, the players and team return without classes to start pre-season. This can mean training two or even three times a day to prepare them for the intense season ahead.
We caught up with Beth Davies (above) over the weekend who studies at Broward College in Florida. Beth explained that pre-season has been tough but it is something she always wanted to do. ‘For me it was a tough decision to leave home, I miss my dog every day, and my family as well of course!!’ she explained ‘but the opportunity to train and play every day mean’s it literally is like Christmas Day every day.’ Beth also talked about the reason why she chose to head over to America rather than staying in England. ‘I was playing at a decent level in England but I wanted to further my game and challenge myself. In England you are limited to maybe training once or twice a week but over here the facilities are top draw and we train every day, I couldn’t ask for anything more.’
Rachel McDonald (above with her teamies) from Harrogate is another player who has made the journey to the USA and finds herself at Heartland College in Illinois. ‘You see local players like Leah Galton and Rachel Daly doing so well, I just feel really lucky that I have been given the opportunity.’ We caught Rach at a good time as she had scored her first collegiate goal on her debut appearance. ‘It is always nice to score, but more importantly the team got the first win of the season. I’m not renowned for my goal scoring exploits, but it is always good to get on the scoresheet.’
Gemma Hall with her Reinhardt University team mates.
We are certainly looking forward to seeing all our players’ progress to their full potential both on and off the field.
If you are interested in becoming a student athlete then you can fill out an application form via the website at www.sportsrecruitingusa.com. We have upcoming events over the next few months along with our showcase event in December where coaches fly over from America to watch out players.
• Manchester Training Camp and Trial – Saturday 24th September. Accrington and Rossendale College, Broad Oak Campus, Broad Oak Road, Accrington. BB5 2AW. 12noon – 4pm.
• Northampton Game – Tuesday 25th October. SRUSA XI vs Northampton Town Ladies. The Duston School, Berrywood Road, Duston, Northampton. NN5 6XA. 6.30pm Kick Off.
• Doncaster Training Camp and Trial – Date TBC (Early November). Balby Carr Academy, Weston Road, Doncaster. DN4 8ND.
