After a senior league debut for Carlisle United before finishing his GCSE’s, Daniel Dillon thought this impressive start to life in football meant he was certain to make it as a professional player, leaving no need to prepare for an alternative career.
With his GCSE’s completed he wanted his education to stop there, but through his scholarship Daniel (pictured left) went on to study for a BTEC National Certificate and an AS-level in PE.
“I found it hard especially when I was playing all over the country for the Youth team, Reserves or First team but with the help of the tutors, LFE and my coach I stuck to it.”
After 5 years with the Cumbrians, Daniel was released. Not expecting to have to find an alternative to football he decided to use the qualifications he gained while at Carlisle to apply to Bath University.
“I am now heading into my final year of a Sports Performance Degree. Alongside this, I also play for Team Bath FC – a semi-professional University team made up of people with similar backgrounds to myself. This season we’ve achieved promotion and made it to the 1st round of the F.A Cup.”
Lauris Coggins is another player from recently promoted Team Bath FC who found himself in a similar situation.
Released from Southend United in the summer of 2007, Lauris ensured that his time at Roots Hall did not go to waste by using the qualifications he gained while on ASE to enrol on a Foundation Degree in Sport at Bath University.
Both Daniel and Lauris value the importance of their education and the opportunities it can provide, Daniel said:
“I think if it hadn’t been for the education that I did alongside my football at Carlisle United then my options would have been far more limited and I certainly wouldn’t be in the situation I am in now.”
Keen to remain in football, Lauris believes that his time at Bath will prove rewarding and states,
“I am still playing and competing at a high standard yet at the same time I’m earning a degree. It’s a great opportunity for me that I wouldn’t have had but for my time as an Apprentice at Southend United.”
