Matthew Brown is the latest ex Apprentice to successfully progress away from the ASE programme.
Joining Carlisle United as an Apprentice at the age of 16, Matthew, like many players, wanted to focus his efforts solely on his football.
But his LFE Regional Officer, Paul Urwin, (pictured left) encouraged Matthew to work equally as hard off the pitch to maximise the value of his Apprenticeship.
Matthew says:
“When I joined Carlisle I knew my education was important, but I wanted my football to come first. Although it was tough doing both at the same time, I’m thankful to Paul who helped me realise how important my education was. He also showed me the different options available that I could adapt around football.”
Matthew was released by the club in the summer of 2008 but during his time at Carlisle he completed a BTEC National Certificate which allowed him the opportunity to apply for a university place.
Matthew is now enrolled as a full time student at Durham University where he is studying his foundation year in Accounting and Finance.
“At school I always enjoyed maths, even though I never considered I’d be making a career out of anything but football! Looking back I am more than glad I listened to Paul’s advice – in football, like in any sport, you can’t ever guarantee what will happen in the future.”
