Queen’s University Soccer Academy launch “School Leaver Scholarship Programme”

Queen’s University Soccer Academy have this week launched a “School Leaver Scholarship Programme”, aimed at male and female year fourteen player athletes who are interested in studying at Queen’s in September 2021.

These new scholarship awards have been created to give ambitious players the opportunity to work towards a world class education while they benefit from a challenging performance environment to help them develop as players.

QUB men’s team currently play in the NIFL Championship division and in July 2021, the club will be entering an inaugural u20 team into the NIFL Development league. QUB AFC Ladies Club has recently been re-established and will compete in third level Colleges & Universities Football league next season. Both clubs are offering excellent competitive opportunities for all students.

Soccer Development Officer Ruairi Taylor commented “Queen’s has a proven track record of developing young players and the success the club has had on and off the pitch in recent years is testament to that. We are fortunate to have a fantastic coaching staff who are further supported by leading strength & conditioning coach Mike McGurn within our fantastic facilities at Queen’s Sport.”

“The Soccer Academy is a supportive but challenging environment and this new initiative further supports our development plan in providing a clear pathway for students to senior football. Our scholarship programme is designed to challenge students to reach new heights in both an academic and athletic capacity at a world class university”.

Queen’s University Performance Sport Manager Aidan O’Rourke endorsed the new initiative, observing “The Soccer Academy and Football Clubs under the leadership of Ruairi Taylor have made great progress in recent seasons through innovative thinking and an athlete focused approach. These scholarships and the introduction of an u20 team are another example of that progressive outlook and promises to be an exciting development for both the students and club.”

Applications are now open for the programme which you can apply for here. For further information or queries relating to the programme please contact Ruairi.taylor@qub.ac.uk