Shrewsbury Footballers Secure US Scholarships

Two Shrewsbury pupils, Harrison V (UVI, O) and Leon B (UVI, R), have secured prestigious football scholarships to universities in the United States, where they will continue their academic studies while competing at a high level of collegiate football.

Harrison V has committed to Rogers State University, one of the stronger NCAA programmes in recent years, regularly progressing to the later stages of national tournaments. The opportunity will allow Harrison to further develop his game while balancing the demands of elite sport with university study.

Harrison said:
“I am very pleased to have committed to Rogers State University. It is one of the strongest soccer programmes in the US and regularly reaches the later rounds of national tournaments.

"This opportunity will allow me to continue developing as a player as I pursue my dream of becoming a professional footballer. Being a student-athlete will also enable me to balance my football with earning a degree.

"I’m very grateful to my coaches at Shrewsbury, especially Mr Wilderspin, who has helped me develop as a player and taught me important values throughout my football journey here.”

Leon B has committed to Midwestern State University in Texas, currently the No.1 ranked NCAA Division II soccer programme in the United States and recent national champions. The programme has a longstanding reputation as one of the most successful and established teams in Division II college soccer.

Leon said:
“I’m really proud to have committed to Midwestern State and excited to begin the next chapter of my football and academic journey. I’m looking forward to working hard and representing the school at the next level.

"I’d also like to thank my coaches, Mr Wilderspin, Mr Hughes and Mr Sankey, for their support and guidance throughout my playing time at Shrewsbury School.”

Director of Football Steve Wilderspin, said:

“I’m thrilled for both Harrison and Leon on securing excellent offers in the United States. They have each been pivotal members of the First XI over the past three years, and it’s fantastic to see their ambition to continue developing their football careers in America. I wish them every success as they begin this exciting new chapter.”

Mr Toby Percival, Head of Sixth Form and Higher Education, said:

"I am delighted that Harrison and Leon have secured football scholarships to the US, which I know has been their dream for a long time. They follow a strong line of Salopian footballers heading over the Pond in recent years, with some notable successes. 

“Louis Crofts and Harry Cooke both made all-star status, with Harry's prolific goal scoring seeing him on the podium for the whole NCAA last year, whilst the brother combo of Joe and Sam Archer have made an impact on the west coast.  Shrewsbury's set up, led superbly by Director of Football Steve Wilderspin, lends itself very well to those looking to pursue a football scholarship in the US."

These scholarships are a wonderful achievement and reflect both pupils’ commitment and the strength of football at Shrewsbury. We wish Harrison and Leon every success as they take this exciting next step.