More than 200 players benefit from Foundation’s student living grant

The Players Foundation announced today that more than 200 applicants had received support from the Student Living Expense Grant, which closed last week. In total, the charity distributed over £300,000 to former professional footballers and scholars.

The grant is designed to ease the financial burden of basic living costs, including rent, utilities and food, so that beneficiaries can focus on their full-time university studies. Each of the successful applicants received a grant of £1,500, helping them to prepare for their post-football ambitions.

Among the recipients was 19-year-old former Burton Albion scholar, Ronny Wakelin, who’s now studying finance at the University of West Alabama, while also playing regularly for the college team.

Ronny still harbours ambitions to succeed as a professional footballer and believes strongly that a solid education is essential for his future:

‘The grant from The Players Foundation gives me the chance to continue my university studies in America, where there are so many opportunities within football and beyond. I think it’s important to have a good education, because something positive always comes from it.

‘That’s why coming out here gives me the best of both worlds – it opens lots of doors and you meet so many people to talk to about potential jobs. I don’t know exactly where I’m going next, but I just hope it leads somewhere good!’

Victoria Darby, Grants Manager at The Players Foundation, said: ‘There has been an excellent response to the Student Living Expense Grant, which exceeded our expectations. The feedback from people like Ronny shows the importance of focussing on player education.  The Foundation will continue to work closely with all our partners to ensure we offer the kind of support that helps ex-pros and scholars with their future careers.’