Former Barnsley FC Academy player and Reds in the Community Student and Shadow Scholar secures a Football Scholarship in the USA!

The 18-year-old has accepted a Football scholarship with Longwood University, also known as Longwood Lancers.

Mason joined Reds in the Community in 2019 for the start of the programme’s inaugural season. Since joining Mason has seen both himself and the programme go from strength to strength bolstering his place in the U18/19’s defence and midfield.

Mason reflects on his time with Reds in the Community and our Education programme combined with the Shadow Scholarship bolt-on.

Mason said “I wanted to further my education to a high standard, without taking part in exams. For me personally, I was a much better worker when it came to coursework and assignments rather than revising for an exam.

My experience studying at Reds in the Community has been great, the tutors have been fantastic with supplying constant support and providing me with as much support as possible.

I developed great relationships with all of my tutors and felt as if I could speak with them regarding anything! 

The opportunities that I have been presented with have been great, from a weeks training camp in Barcelona, from pre-season camps away from home with my teammates, from competing in the National Football Youth League final at Hillsborough.

After the introduction of the U23’s programme, competing in that at 17/18 years old and being tested against men’s non-league sides. The attention to detail put in from all staff involved is remarkable, ranging from strength and conditioning training, high intensity tactical and technical training, nutrition workshops and psychology sessions.

I would like to say a huge thanks to all members of staff for their tireless efforts and supporting me to be able to progress to America. All coaches and members of staff involved have been brilliant to play under and work with, they all have your best interests at heart and are willing to do whatever it takes to help further my development as a player.

I have signed a four-year scholarship with Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia also known as the Longwood Lancers. They compete in the NCAA Division 1, Big South Conference. NCAA D1 is regarded as the highest standard in the U.S Collegiate Soccer leagues so I am incredibly proud and thankful to be competing in it. I fly out in August and I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity. 

I can’t praise the programme enough, I have already recommended the programme to potential new recruitments for season 2020/21. My experience was fantastic and I have some excellent memories of the programme. Top players, Top coaches, Top Tutors and an opportunity that if met with the right mindset can open a whole bunch of new doors for players to pursue!

Everyone here at Reds in the Community and Barnsley Football Club wishes Mason all the best with his future endeavours in the states!

Find out more about the Education provision available at Oakwell and to enquire about a course online here – https://barnsleyfccommunity.co.uk/education-programme/apply-for-a-course/