Former Barnsley youngster Luke Fedorenko has taken his time but he is now getting back on track after starting a BSc (Hons) Exercise and Sport Science degree at Manchester Metropolitan University in October.
‘Feds’ as he known to his friends – left Oakwell in the summer of 2008 and until recently could’ve been described as a non-league missionary, drifting from one club to the next (seven in four years) while hoping to earn a reprieve to the full-time game.
It’s been a long road and a far cry from when he was rumoured to have attracted the interest of several Premier League clubs during some eye catching FA Youth Cup displays.
“I’ve probably taken it to heart about why my football hasn’t really worked out and I’ve probably spent too long dwelling things that really I needed to put behind me – so I could move on.”
Moving on he is. With a UEFA B License already under his belt as well as a coaching role at Sheffield United’s Academy, he was convinced that his next step should be into Higher Education to take on the challenge of a course that covers areas like physiology, biomechanics and psychology and the impact these disciplines have on sports performance, health and well-being.
“From my perspective the dream of playing professionally is over. I have to look forward and work hard to try to make a good career for myself in coaching. I’ve already got my B License and maybe I could help other players to not make the same mistakes I made.”
Fedorenko, who is one of around twenty ex or current players on the distance learning course admits that he might not have even started but for the support of The Professional Footballers Association.
For someone like me that is no longer playing with a professional club the PFA funding is unbelievable, it helps me and my parents out massively.”
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