MEN’S FOOTBALL SCHOLARSHIPS

International Sports Scholarship Programme

Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence

University of Stirling Craig Gowans Scholarships

Football plays a major sporting role at the University of Stirling with more than 80 members of the men’s football club and men’s and women’s teams. Falkirk FC base their first team training and Academy on our campus which is also host to the Scottish FA Women’s National Football Academy. In partnership with Falkirk FC, the University runs the Craig Gowans Football Scholarship Programme, which is part of Stirling’s International Sports Scholarship Programme, whose alumni include Olympians, World and Commonwealth Games athletes.

Training and Competition

Our individually tailored men’s football programme enables scholars to combine their high performance training with study for an academic degree of their choosing. The weekly schedule comprises up to 15 hours football coaching and up to four hours fitness training with specialist strength and conditioning staff. Further sports science support includes diet and nutrition, psychology, physiotherapy, lifestyle management, performance analysis and medical expertise. Players represent the University in the semi-professional East of Scotland Premier Division and in inter-university football competitions.

Facilities

Football scholars have access to world-class training facilities including:  7 grass and 2 all-weather sports pitches  MP Jackson Fitness Centre  Strength and Conditioning Super Centre  State-of-the-art sports science laboratories

Coaching

The football programme is run by highly experienced, Scottish FA qualified coaches who work closely with the players at training and on match days. Further support services are provided by our experienced, qualified staff.

Funding

Scholars receive financial support up to £3,500 per annum to subsidise accommodation, travel and other sports related costs. Players can also take advantage of funded coach education courses.

Academic Flexibility

A fundamental part of the scholarships is academic flexibility to help combine study with high performance sport. This includes assessment extensions, exam deferment and study extension periods.

Accommodation and Kit

Players have the opportunity to stay in on-campus accommodation and every scholar is provided with important kit, including full training and match day clothing.

Apply Now

Applicants must meet the normal entry requirements for study at the University of Stirling. Prospective scholars should have high performance football experience such as professionally at Academy level or beyond. Apply by the end of February for entry the following September. Download the application form online at: www. sportingexcellence.stir.ac.uk/scholarships/mens-football

Contact

Raleigh Gowrie Sports Performance Manager University of Stirling Stirling FK9 4LA T: + 44 (0) 1786 466901 F: + 44 (0) 1786 466919 E: [email protected]

Study at Stirling

Flexibility and choice – Stirling has a refreshingly different approach to degrees. You get to adapt and develop your study choices as you go, combining subjects from across the University. Scholarship footballers can study full-time or part-time, in undergraduate or postgraduate degree programmes of their choice. Sport-specific programmes at the School of Sport, which make up 12% of all applications to Stirling – include: BA Sports Studies, BSc Sport and Exercise Science, MSc Sports Management and MSc Sports Coaching.

Sporting Excellence

The University of Stirling is Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, providing the ideal environment for talented athletes to flourish in their chosen sport. Athletes have access to a comprehensive collection of world-class facilities set on our scenic campus, which is home to national centres in many sports as well as the sportscotland institute of sport and the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland. Find out more at www.sportingexcellence.stir.ac.uk

“It’s a great programme as you get more training than at most professional clubs, with first class facilities all on campus.” Lee Nichol, former Scotland U19 international and Falkirk FC player

Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence

Perfect location

The Stirling campus is regarded as ‘one of the most beautiful in the world’ (Guardian University Guide, 2011) with views of a large loch and an historic castle. There is a strong community feel through the many clubs and central social area, which includes the library, eating facilities, shops and arts venue. We are particularly proud of the tremendous diversity among our students, coming from across the UK and abroad. It all adds up to an inspirational learning and living environment.

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