Five Foundation of Light scholars secure US football scholarships

Five Foundation of Light female scholars have secured football scholarships at universities in the USA, giving them the opportunity to continue their education while developing their football careers.

The Foundation’s Football Scholarship provides a dual-career pathway, allowing players to train and compete at a high level while studying towards recognised qualifications.

Alongside high-level coaching and access to state-of-the-art facilities, the programme opens up a range of progression opportunities, including the US college sports system.

For Libbie Trainor, Maddy Hillyer, Reese Hopkinson, Niamh Cairns and Ruby Hodgson, that pathway has helped them take the next step in both their education and football careers, with scholarships supporting their studies in the USA.

Libbie Trainor

Libbie made an instant impact on the pitch with 21 goals in her first season, finishing as the team’s top scorer. An injury in her second year halted her progress, but she returned to fitness with impressive determination to make a big impact in the latter stages of the season.

During her time with the Foundation of Light, Libbie studies Sports and Exercise Science, achieving a Distinction* and two Distinctions.

Upon graduation, she heads to Motlow State Community College in Tennessee to continue her football development and studies.

Libbie thanked the Foundation for their role in her progression, saying: "I would like to say thank you for everything that the Foundation has done for me over the last two years, I've definitely learned a lot. Even when I was injured in the second year, I still felt part of the squad, joining away trips and even coming to Liverpool at Melwood and coming on for my return to play.”

Maddy Hillyer

Joining Libbie at Motlow State Community College will be her teammate Maddy Hillyer.

Maddy also overcame setbacks to graduate from the Foundation’s Football Scholarship with flying colours.

Just before the start of the programme, Maddy sustained an ACL injury which ruled her out of action for the entirety of year one.

Despite this, she kept her head up, worked hard on her recovery, and returned to action in her second year, impressing throughout the season.

Alongside success on the pitch, Maddy achieved triple Distinctions in her Sport and Exercise Science course, impressing the US university recruiters.

Maddy added: "Thank you for everything that you have done for me over the last two years. I received great support in the first year when I was injured, then in the second year I loved my time on the pitch. The league was a great challenge, and we improved as a team throughout the season. I really enjoyed my time at the Foundation!”

Niamh Cairns

Niamh Cairns’ journey with the Foundation of Light started long before the scholarship. Niamh joined the Foundation’s Female Football Pathway as part of the Player Development Centre.

After progressing through the pathway, Niamh decided to continue her football development alongside her education as part of the scholarship.

Niamh achieved a Distinction* in Sport and Exercise Science, a C in Business Studies, and a D in Sociology.

She will now head to Central Community College in Columbus, Nebraska.

Niamh said: "Over the last five years I have developed greatly at the Foundation of Light. I have loved every minute and can’t thank the coaches enough. I wouldn't be where I am today without the Foundation!”

Ruby Hodgson

Like Niamh, Ruby’s journey with the Foundation of Light goes beyond the scholarship programme.

Ruby joined the Player Development Centre five years ago and followed the pathway, also deciding to join the scholarship after the Emerging Talent Centre.

After achieving a Distinction* in Sport and Exercise Science, Ruby will head to Meridian Community College in Mississippi.

Ruby said: "I have really enjoyed the last five years at the Foundation of Light. From ETC and Day Release, then Scholarship. The coaching team have really helped develop me as a footballer and a person, I wouldn't be where I am today without them. The dedication and passion from the coaching team doesn't go unnoticed.”

Reese Hopkinson

Reese Hopkinson joined the Foundation of Light after a spell in Leeds United’s academy.

After impressing in the scholarship side, Reese was invited to join Sunderland AFC’s Professional Game Academy in her second year.

Reese also impressed off the pitch, earning triple Distinctions in Sport and Exercise Science.

This has earned her a place at the University of North Georgia where she will link up with the NCAA second division side.

Reese said: "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to showcase myself with the Foundation and then later with the PGA. The opportunities that I received helped me to then pursue my football in the USA.”

Join our Football Scholarship

Just received your GCSE results and looking for your next step? The Foundation of Light’s Football Scholarship can help you continue your education while developing your football career.

Train on state-of-the-art facilities, work with high-level coaches and represent Sunderland AFC in national and regional competitions, with a range of progression opportunities available, whether its football or your next career.

Find out more: Click Here