Former Boro player launches scholarship
A FORMER Middlesbrough FC player has collaborated with Teesside University to launch a scholarship for aspiring young football players.
The George Friend scholarship aims to help talented students develop their footballing skills during their studies through the Football Performance Pathway. This programme enables students to get high-quality football training alongside their degree, providing an opportunity to study a preferred discipline which may not be sportrelated, while continuing to train and play at a high level in football.
To be eligible, students must demonstrate athletic ability and high potential in football and successfully secure a place on the Football Performance Pathway programme at the University for the Autumn of 2022. Each successful applicant will receive a £1,000 scholarship to support their studies.
Now with Birmingham City, George joined Middlesbrough FC back in 2012, where he was hugely popular among fans, before moving on in 2020. During his time at Boro, George was named player of the season and was a mainstay in the side that won promotion to the Premier League in the 2015/16 season.
George was as popular off the pitch as he was on it thanks to his charity work and engagement with the local community. He remains a regular visitor back to the region and has kept his links with Teesside University, having previously helped to launch a sports marketing degree and officially opening the new gym facilities.
George said: “I am extremely proud to be working with Teesside University to offer this scholarship. It provides a brilliant opportunity for students to develop their footballing skills through the Football Performance Pathway while completing
their degree. Students can study in their preferred discipline while continuing to pursue their sporting goals by training and playing at a high level in football. In time, I believe some candidates could be awarded playing contracts from professional clubs as a result of this programme”
He continued: “Ultimately, whether it’s in football or not, I would love to see graduates finish the programme with the confidence to take on a significant role in their chosen industry. Teesside is a special region with a great passion for football built on hard work within its community, it’s great that we have a progressive university that can provide the perfect platform.”
The George Friend Scholarship sits alongside the other exciting new scholarship opportunities developed for the next academic year, including the Kellas Midstream
Scholarship, the Franc Roddam Scholarship in film and television, the Paul Rodgers Scholarship for aspiring musicians and the Beth Mead Scholarship for female footballers. These scholarships help to
form the Teesside Transformation Fund – an initiative that aims to break down barriers and empower people to access Higher Education so they can reach their full potential. With millions of pounds invested by the university each year, the ambition is to grow this fund with support from alumni, foundations and corporate partners.
Lauren Bradshaw, Deputy Director in Communications and Development at Teesside University, said: “George is a fantastic ambassador for our region and has achieved incredible success and recognition during his career, both on and off the pitch.
“We are delighted to add the George Friend Scholarship to our expanding portfolio and believe it will provide much-needed support for students to follow in George’s footsteps and excel both academically and through their football.”