Teesside University has partnered with Beth Mead, a former student and international footballer, to offer ambitious female players a one-of-a-kind scholarship opportunity.
The Beth Mead Scholarship is now accepting applications, and it’s designed to help dual-career students who want to play professional, national, or international women’s football. For the school year 2022/23, four scholarships are available.
Successful scholars will get a £1,200 grant as well as individualized sport science coaching to help them reach their maximum potential. A team of professionals from Teesside University will provide strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, sport nutrition, sport psychology, biomechanical analysis, and sport physiology.
During their studies, scholars will also receive one-on-one and group coaching from Beth, as well as branded athletic apparel and gym membership.
Beth earned a BA (Hons) Sports Development from Teesside University in 2016 and was a member of the Elite Athlete Scheme, which assisted her in achieving her athletic ambitions.
Beth has had tremendous success since graduating, having played professionally for Sunderland before going to Arsenal, where she presently plays. The striker is a member of the England national team and played in the 2019 Women’s World Cup. In 2016, she was named PFA Young Player of the Year.
“The support I had from Teesside University was invaluable,” Beth, who is presently with the Lionesses, who face Canada at Riverside Stadium…, added. I was lucky enough to turn professional while still in school, and while it was difficult, I am grateful that I was able to complete my degree while also beginning my professional football career.
“I think it is really important that talented female footballers are given the platform and support network to flourish. The women’s game has really taken off in recent years and young women are starting to see that football is a viable career.
“I am delighted to be working with Teesside University to offer this scholarship and hope it will inspire other talented female footballers to succeed and follow their dreams.”
The Beth Mead Scholarship is funded by the Teesside Transformation Fund, a donor-supported project at Teesside University that invests in future generations of students to foster talent and realize their full potential. The scholarship is intended to assist outstanding female footballers while they pursue a degree, and will allow them to play for the University team as well as benefit from connections with a number of professional teams in the area.
“Beth is an advocate for Teesside University and represents what can be done through passion, dedication, talent, and hard work,” said Professor Mark Simpson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching) at Teesside University.
“She has achieved incredible success and is the perfect role model for young female footballers looking to follow in her footsteps.
“We are delighted to be working alongside Beth on this scholarship and looking forward to supporting the first cohort of scholars to unlock their potential.”
The Beth Mead Scholarship has received support from Gemma Grainger, a fellow Teesside University alumnus and the current Wales Women’s National Team Manager.
“The University’s commitment to providing a pathway, from grass roots, to potential footballing careers for female footballers through a higher education institution is fantastic.
“An important thing for me is that girls who have an ambition to become a female footballer don’t have to move away from the area to experience an amazing opportunity which they now have on their doorstep.”
Phil Neville, a former England Women’s Manager who has worked with Beth on an international level, has also praised the Beth Mead Scholarship’s debut.
He said: “From the first time that I watched Beth play I knew that she was a special footballer. Alongside her ability on the field is her brilliant attitude and drive to succeed and be the best. But, for me, the most important quality Beth has is that she’s an incredible person – always respectful and polite and is loved by all her teammates and coaches.
“The scholarship is an amazing opportunity for these girls to get the best out of themselves and gain experience from someone like Beth.”
“Beth has achieved incredible success and it is important that young female footballers have role models they can look up to,” said Andy Campbell, the current manager of Middlesbrough Women FC and a former Middlesbrough player.
“This scholarship is fantastic news and will provide yet more opportunities and support to enable female footballers in our region to flourish and reach their full potential. We wish the University the best of luck rolling out this scholarship and will continue to offer support as part of our successful partnership.”
“The first thing that comes to mind with Beth is her obvious talent, said Melanie Reay, Head Coach of Sunderland Women FC, where Beth began her professional career.
“but what people don’t see is how hard she works off the field. She is the perfect role model to inspire female footballers who are looking to achieve their own dreams.”
The scholarship was designed in collaboration with Beth Mead, a Teesside University BA (Hons) Sports Development graduate and Arsenal Women and England footballer.
Thanks to Beth’s generosity, four scholarships will be available for students enrolling in the 2022-23 academic year, with each scholar receiving a £1,200 bursary during the course of their studies.
Scholarship benefits
You must be a national, international, or professional female footballer who can contribute positively to sport at Teesside University by performing at an international level. You must be willing to use social media and other marketing initiatives to promote the University and the help you receive.
Beth is an active scholarship ambassador who will advise you three times a year.
Scholarship benefits include:
- One-to-one mentoring with Beth
- Strength and conditioning support
- Physiotherapy, sports massage, and therapy
- Biomechanical assessment
- Sport psychology support
- Bespoke nutritional support
- Lifestyle support
- Personalised sport science support
- Signed shirt by Beth
- Branded Teesside Sport kit
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities
- Gym membership
Entry criteria
You must:
Be a national, international, or professional female footballer who can significantly contribute to sport at Teesside University through international level athletic achievement.
How to apply
- Applications are now being accepted. Please click the apply now button and fill out the application form to apply. The four scholarship spots are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified applicants.
- LThe last deadline for applications is 5.00pm on August 31, 2022. Gain admission to or be enrolled in a course at Teesside University during the academic year 2022-2023. (all courses are eligible, both undergraduate and postgraduate).
Outcome
Successful applicants will be notified (at the latest) four weeks following their application, however they will not be eligible for the scholarship unless they enroll and begin their study in September 2022.
Note
Places are restricted and will be given to the most qualified applicants; all offers are conditional on enrollment in a course at Teesside University.
Meeting the requirements does not guarantee you a scholarship.
