American opportunity for Tubbercurry native
SLIGO Rovers U-19 player Sean Kerrigan has secured an academic and athletic scholarship in the United States. The Tubbercurry native has committed his future to a blend of education and full-time soccer at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Sean, younger brother of former Sligo Rovers and current UCD winger Liam Kerrigan, will head stateside in August having set his heart on a dream opportunity.
He said: “I chose the US with a bigger picture in mind. I have the chance to attend a well-known university for four years, play full-time football and at the end of the journey I will have a degree to show for it.”
“Chances to progress with guaranteed playing time in the League of Ireland at 18 is obviously quite limited and especially with the world we live in where, unfortunately, Covid-19 has put a stop to many leagues.”
“So, knowing that I will be competing against some of the best players at the collegiate level was something I couldn’t turn down.”
Kerrigan has recognised that there is a natural pathway to a higher level of soccer in America, but also hasn’t ruled out the possibility of bringing his experience back to the League of Ireland. “The fact that the US collegiate scene has a pathway to the professional leagues with the MLS Superdraft, has also made the move appealing.”
“If that doesn’t work out I think I will be in a great position to return to Ireland after training and playing for four years, and hopefully this will open doors to the pro game here.”
Kerrigan was guided in finding the correct university for him by Atlantic Scholarships – a Sligo-based company which assists young athletes seeking a different challenge.
The company’s director is Jake Dykes, a former Sligo Rovers player who has represented the club at U-19 and first team level. Jake is the son of Rovers legend Gavin Dykes.
On securing Sean’s future in Pennsylvania, Dykes said: “It is great to know that Sean’s shortterm and long-term future aspirations are now secured.”
“Sean will be attending an NCAA Division II programme that is growing in stature year on year. Helping Sean to further his education and football experiences is something that we as a company take massive pride in.”
“Although Sean received his first choice course in university after last year’s Leaving Certificate and having researched thoroughly the US route, he believes it is the right move for him to move forward in his career, both on and off the pitch.”
Dykes continued: “Not only in soccer but in multiple sports across the country, we are seeing more and more athletes at 17, 18 or 19 years of age approaching the US collegiate scene with an open mind.”
“Athletes are able to blend full-time study and full-time undergraduate or postgraduate courses offering them superb opportunities upon graduation.”
Sligo athletes interested in pursuing a scholarship in the US can email info@atlanticscholarships.ie or seek more information at www. atlanticscholarships.ie.