Two Sports Coaching and Performance students from North Kent College are preparing for the adventure of a lifetime after being awarded prestigious football scholarships to study and play in the United States.
Frankie Shaw and Alfie Moynihan, both 17 and based at the College’s Dartford campus, will be heading stateside this summer, Frankie to Pratt Community College in Kansas and Alfie to Jamestown Community College in New York, after impressing during a trial held at the College by a UK-based scholarship agency, Global Sports Relations (GSR).
“It’s been a whirlwind,” said Frankie. “They came into College and ran a trial session. They watched us play and if you were good enough, you’d go through a Zoom call to find out more, then they put together football clips to send to coaches in the US. After that, it all moved really quickly.”
For both students, it’s the realisation of a lifelong dream and a reward for years of hard work on and off the pitch.
“My college in Kansas has us training twice a day,” explained Frankie. “In the morning it’ll be a gym session and in the afternoon, it’ll be a football session and that is every day. Then Wednesday and Saturdays there are games so we travel for them and between all of that we have classes. It’s full-on, but it’s what I’ve always wanted.”
The scholarships cover a large portion of their tuition, accommodation, and even some meals, books and health insurance, making this a truly life-changing opportunity.
Alfie added: “My schedule includes 13 hours of classes a week, five training sessions and two matches. It’s a proper league setup and, depending on how we do, we can qualify for regional and national tournaments.”
Although neither has visited their future campus yet, both have had virtual tours and have spoken with teammates abroad.
Above: Frankie Shaw (left) and Alfie Moynihan (right)
“It’s really international,” Alfie said. “I’m the only English player at my college, although there are a few people from the UK, mainly from Scotland. It’s exciting, I’m ready for it.”
Their journey started at North Kent College, where both Frankie and Alfie have spent the past two years developing their skills, both academic and athletic.
“I’ve always wanted to come here. I had a football tournament when I was in Year Six, and that was it!” said Frankie.
“I came to an Open Day in Year 10 and I just knew this was where I wanted to be,” Alfie said. “It’s not like school, the lecturers treat you like an adult, but they still support you all the way. They help you out, have a bit of banter, and make college feel enjoyable. But they make sure the work gets done too.”
With both students preparing to fly out in July, excitement is building, and so are the nerves. But both are focused on what lies ahead.
“I’d love to play professionally,” said Frankie. “That’s the dream. But if not, I’d be happy coaching or becoming a PE teacher.”
For Alfie, it’s a similar vision: “I’ve always wanted to work in sport, coaching, teaching, or whatever comes my way. This is a huge step in that direction.”
John Mullins, Head of Curriculum for Sports Coaching & Performance, said: “This is a very exciting and great opportunity for both Frankie and Alfie to further their football and academic pathways. GSR have been great with the boys, and other students who have attended sessions nationwide, and help them at every step.”
“Frankie and Alfie have done very well, and I am sure they will excel in their football and education once they start their new life in the USA. They both leave us with the best wishes of the Department and we hope they keep in touch with us with updates on their progress and possibly Zoom calls to inspire new students.”
North Kent College’s Sports Coaching and Performance courses give students access to top class facilities, including a large multi-purpose sports hall, three sports fields, and access to a strength and conditioning room and a fitness suite.
Courses also offer access to the NKC Football Academy for Boy’s and Girl’s teams. Students wishing to improve their football skills and performance have access to three training sessions per week and football fixtures on Wednesdays in the U18 Kent KSFA League.
To find out more visit the Sports Coaching and Performance page on the North Kent College website.