Today Progression 08 is very pleased to announce Kelly Davies as a major supporter and spokesperson for both the event, and education across all sport.
“It’s so important to widen your horizons in whatever sport you are part of, yes in women’s football it’s still the case that we need to do that to ensure our careers are supported – but every athlete should take into consideration education and other options that are available not least in case of injury.”
“The chance to support Progression 08 is very important to me as is supporting education across the entire sports industry.”
Taking up football at the age of 14 meant Kelly was considered a late developer – but her skills and determination quickly ensured she began a remarkable career in the game leading her to play at international level for Wales and also for Liverpool. Kelly realised early on that it would be very difficult to make it as a female footballer without a secondary career, so her determination to stay in the game she loved lead her to study for an MBA in Football Industries – a world-renowned qualification in the sport.
Each year only 25 people are allowed entry onto the course at the University of Liverpool and at 23 Kelly was not only the youngest on her course but also joined with no actual work experience, sheer hard work however, meant she still came out as one of the top three students.
Kelly says,
“Women’s football in the UK is great – not only do you learn a sporting skill, you’re also making friends and learning life skills, things some people generally fail to realise. Although it’s still the case that you won’t make it professionally just as a player – with dedication and hard work there are so many other opportunities available to make football your entire career.”
“When I was training at Arsenal Ladies Academy I trained in the mornings and studied for a BTEC National in the afternoon at Hertfordshire University on a course linked to the football academy, I won student of the year which I am hugely proud of.”
“I then went to Loughborough University to study Sports Science and Business Management before going on to study for an MBA in Football Industry at Liverpool University”
Now working for Cambrian Academy Sports Tours, Kelly keeps her hand in football and on March 1st jetted off to South Africa with Charlton Athletic FC where she is helping support their community scheme working in partnership with British Airways and Southwark Metropolitan Police. The main aim is to divert children away from crime and disorder, using football as a vehicle to draw attention to the cause. The link below highlights their work in more detail.
