UCFB scholars talk about benefits of receiving the Women in Sport Scholarship

The two recipients of the Women in Sport Scholarship for 2024-25 have been talking to us about the scholarship and its many benefits.

The scholarship, which is open for applications for 2025-26, aims to support those wanting to further female involvement across sport throughout their career.

For this academic year, the scholarship’s two recipients are:

Speaking about the scholarship, Martha said: “It is given to people who are wanting to drive the women’s game forward in whichever capacity, whether it’s social media, commercial, business, etc.

“When you apply, you have to show initiative or any ideas of what you want to do in that area.

“It’s not about getting the job, it’s about helping you develop through your career and also it makes you feel like you’re with someone on the journey.”

Katie added: “The Women in Sport Scholarship is so helpful because it gives us a direct pathway into the football industry. It’s breaking those barriers, getting us access to those on and off the pitch.”

As well as financial assistance towards tuition fees, the two students are also gaining mentorship from Women in Football board member Kelly Simmons OBE.

Katie said, talking about her mentor: “She’s been absolutely fantastic. She’s sent me up to the Rugby PWR Cup Final, where I was in the press box, wrote about it and conducted interviews with players after which was a surreal experience.

“She’s also helped me with my dissertation, setting up interviews for me, as well as simply offering general advice about jobs in football and working in the women’s game.”

Katie finished by offering advice for UCFB students thinking of applying for a scholarship.

“Go for it,” she said. “There’s no downsides to it. I applied on a whim and it’s really helped me out. You can’t get these benefits anywhere else.”

Find out more about the many scholarships which are open for applications now.