Women in Football board member partners with UCFB to mentor on female-focused scholarship

UCFB are delighted to have Kelly Simmons OBE as a mentor for two of our students on the Women in Sport Scholarship for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year.

Kelly, who is a sports consultant and board member of Women In Football, has spoken about how delighted she is to support the scholarship, which is now open for applications.

“I’m really passionate about encouraging women into the fantastic football industry,” she said, “and this is an opportunity to partner with UCFB around promoting two scholarships for women who could become future leaders of our industry.”

The scholarship involves mentorship from Kelly as well as financial support, and Kelly said how she wants to use the mentorship to help the two scholars going forward in their future careers.

She said: “As their mentor I meet them every month to provide any support and guidance that they want on their journey into the football industry.

“I think the most useful thing I’ve got is my networks, and it’s about trying to open up those networks and those opportunities for both of them.”

She added: “It’s so important that people are there to support young people coming in, in terms of making those connections and networks, because I know so much of it is about who you know and getting to know people and building those relationships.”

Kelly then went on to speak about why she is delighted to have this partnership with UCFB.

“Fantastic courses, a fantastic environment for students to learn and thrive in, and really really good connections in terms of employability,” she said.

“The scholarships obviously provides support and the mentoring aspect as well which you know hopefully is having value as well.”

Speaking specifically about the Women in Sport Scholarship, she added: “It sends an important message that we’re looking for talented women to come through in the industry and to take up leadership positions.

“It’s really important, whether that’s across the men’s or the women’s game, but more women are coming in and we’re increasing that pipeline of talent to include women who previously maybe have been put off coming into football industry or didn’t think it was for them.

She finished, offering advice to those young people wanting a career in sport: “Really build your networks and get your name out there.

“I think making those connections building strong relationships building friendships in the industry is absolutely invaluable and will pave the way for future success.”

UCFB has a wide variety of scholarships, all open for applications, for the upcoming academic year. Find out which one best suits you and apply now.

You can also learn plenty more about our array of undergraduate degree courses, all tailored to the football and wider sports industry.