By Daniel Noble
BALLYWALTER footballer Ashleigh Scott-Brown has offered advice for young people
considering a US soccer scholarship after starring for the Union Commonwealth University Bulldogs in Kentucky.
The 20-year-old has now returned to play for local club side Ards Rangers Women for the
summer, after completing a successful season in the States.
Fulfilling the role of right-back, Ashleigh achieved something out of the ordinary, breaking into the team and nailing down a regular spot in her first year – a rare feat for a ‘freshman’ player.
In most cases, freshmen should expect limited playing time, with their debut year instead
focussing on gaining experience from teammates and adapting to the level of collegiate soccer.
However, the Ballywalter star caught the attention of her coach early doors and went on to start 17 games, playing between 80 and 90 minutes in each match.
What’s more, she went on to score her maiden goal for the club and found herself in receipt of an Appalachian Athletic Conference champions of character award come the end of the
campaign.
The accolade recognises student athletes who demonstrate integrity, respect, responsibility,
sportsmanship and leadership, both on and off the pitch – a true testament to her character.
Ashleigh’s debut season in Kentucky has been nothing short of remarkable, but her footballing journey might not have taken this path at all, was it not for a chance discovery.
“I first discovered the scholarship programme through a social media post from First Point USA, advertising trials in Belfast. My mum encouraged me to attend and give it a try, so I decided to take the opportunity,” she said.
“Opportunities like this do not come around very often, and I knew it was a chance to further both my football career and my education while experiencing life in a different country.”
Alongside training and matches, Ashleigh undertakes full-time studies at the college, but she has explained how such a busy schedule is navigated.
“I’ve found it very easy to balance my studies alongside playing soccer. Our coaches make
academics a priority and give us designated study hall sessions, where the whole team
completed assignments and keeps on top of coursework.
“We’re also encouraged to bring our laptops and iPads on away trips. Sometimes, we can travel for an entire day or even a couple of days, so having access to our work while on the bus or at the hotel helps us avoid falling behind.
“Overall, there is plenty of support available to help student athletes manage both academics and soccer. The schedule is designed to give us enough time to complete our work and still fully commit to training, matches and team activities.”
With a year of soccer and studies under her belt across the Atlantic, and another on the horizon, Ashleigh is using her experiences to highlight the opportunity available through scholarship programmes and encourage other young people to follow their dreams.
“My advice to any young person thinking about pursuing a similar scholarship would be to give it a go. It can feel like a big step, moving away from home and into a completely new environment, but the experience is worth it,” she added.
“The opportunities you are given, both academically and athletically, are incredible, and the
friendships you make along the way are just as valuable.
“One piece of advice I was always given was that if I didn’t enjoy it, there is always a flight
home. That mindset helped me embrace the opportunity without worrying too much about the unknown.
“If you are considering a scholarship opportunity, my advice would be to step out of your comfort zone, embrace the experience and make the most of what it has to offer.”
