WHY STUDY &
PLAY ABROAD
WHY STUDY OVERSEAS?
The academic, athletic and social benefits of the Challenger Sports “Study and Play Abroad” program are world class. Not only do international students have the opportunity to be part of The Steven Gerrard Soccer Academy, but they can study and graduate with a bachelor’s degree in 3 years at Liverpool John Moores University, while experiencing the history and culture of the United Kingdom, the home of soccer!
WHY PLAY OVERSEAS
The average US college season will begin mid August and finish at the end of October or into November, play only up to approx 23 games and then only practicing and playing friendly games in the spring
The Steven Gerrard Academy and The National Football Youth League season, (or whatever platform and standard squad you get selected for), will start late July and go through to the end of May. In addition to league play; cup competitions, exhibition games and friendly games will easily double what you expect to get in the US.
You will be training and playing like the pros!
THE EXPERIENCE
Study and Play Abroad was primarily developed to provide a more efficient way for International students to graduate college with a bachelor’s degree within 3 years and a master’s degree in 4 years.
When we add in the professional Steven Gerrard Academy soccer experience, this makes the Study and Play Program the most comprehensive and sought after study and play program in the world.
FAQ
LJMU can offer you a Foundation Course for the 1st year that will get you up to speed and into your desired degree program, or alternatively through the Steven Gerrard Academy and Auckland College, Liverpool you could opt for a study related B/Tec diploma to ensure your entry the LJMU in Year 2.
A great deal will depend on the type of accommodation you choose in addition to your chosen degree and the soccer component of the program. A typical US College Experience over four years will probably cost you somewhere upwards of $140,000. Being as this program is over 3 years, you will save at least one year of that expense. To get a more detailed breakdown, please contact Steve Richards and schedule a call.
If you play at a competitive level and have an interest in Studying and Playing in the UK for a minimum of 3 years, here is the simple process:
Contact Steve Richards at Challenger Study and Play Abroad
After hearing the details, Apply for a degree through the Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) portal
Receive a Conditional Offer from LJMU specifying the entry requirements:
Entry Requirements: *GPA of 3.0 and./orSAT 1200 or aboveACT 26 or above* Have 3 AP Classes with a score of 3 of higher, one being Math or Science
* Submit a Personal Statement (outlining/explaining why they should accept you and why you are taking that specific degree and why LJMU)
* Submit an Academic Reference on official letter headed paper from a tutor, teacher , school counselor or Principal to support your application
Receive an Unconditional Offer and CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) Letter from LJMU and follow the next step instructions to obtain your visa, arrange accommodation, pay your deposit and start planning your first flight to the UK
Yes! LJMU is approved by the US Dept. of Education and so students form the US applying to study there can complete the process to see if they are eligible for any financial aid: FAFSA.
Studying and Playing in the UK opens the door to a whole host of opportunities from an educational, cultural and travel perspective. Liverpool, being situated in the North West of England provides easy access to Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland, and Scotland via car, bus, rail or air. It is only approx 4 hours or less from 5 capital cities in London, Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin and Cardiff and is a great location to start your exploration of Mainland Europe, with Euro bound trains leaving Liverpool Lime Street Train Station daily.
Yes, a visa is required and everything you will need to know about that process will be explained to you by the International Admissions staff at Liverpool John Moores University.
The following link lists all the countries from which students will require a TB injection before applying for a Visa: https://www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa
You will need to pay for your Immigration Health Surcharge. The cost of this surcharge is £470 per year and this will give you access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) that includes doctors, dentists and hospitals when your are in the UK. In addition you might also want to look into some personal Travel Insurance for the duration of your stay.
THE BENEFITS
DEGREE LENGTH
3 Year Bachelors Degree
1 year Masters Degree
LONGER SEASON
A 10 month competitive soccer season, playing in the English pyramid
SAVINGS
30-70% tuition savings over the course of the 3 or 4 years
ACCREDITED
FAFSA Approved Universities
REPRESENTATION
Opportunities to represent
The Steven Gerrard Academy, Liverpool John Moores University and possibly a North West Club playing in the English Pyramid system or a Welsh club in the Cyrmu Premier.
EXPERIENCE
Experience living in a foreign country, fully immersing yourself in the culture and history
LIVERPOOL
Liverpool, a maritime city in northwest England, where the River Mersey meets the Irish Sea. The hometown of The Beatles, where the iconic mercantile buildings known as the “Three Graces” – Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool Building – stand on the Pier Head and home of Liverpool and Everton Football Clubs.
The city is only a stones throw away from Wales, The Peak & Lake Districts
THE UK
On the doorsetp of Mainland Europe, England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland form The United Kingdom and Great Britain – where better to continue your journey of further education and life?
The home of football!
A CALL
Today!
