Student and Coach Testimonials
‘’ Good morning John – felt I needed to thank you so much for sorting out an opportunity for Charlie to play in the USA whilst studying for his degree at the same time from Fall 2024 – from the beginning of our conversations you identified the answers to all our questions and provided options we had not considered – feedback was swift from you always and since deciding to take up an offer of scholarship we as a family have always been updated on a regular basis – your advice and help have been invaluable – thank you’’
Lucy Archer – Charlie Archer – Jamestown University – Fall 2024
‘’Thanks for your guidance John in helping Pieri find a soccer scholarship in Louisiana this summer – he is really looking forward to this chance in a lifetime – you have really been so helpful in many ways to make this happen’’
Family Mack – Pieri Mack – LSUS – Fall 2024
‘’Thanks for all the help and encouragement in getting Harvey to the USA John – your dedication has been exemplary and now Harvey needs to grab his chance in Texas to move forward on and off the pitch – thanks for providing the pathway’’
Charlotte and Harvey Gilham – Coastal Bend Junior College Texas – Fall 2024
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Thank you John and Rita for making this golfing scholarship in Tennessee happen for Jonathan.
Richard and I send our warmest thanks and best wishes.
Thank you Sporting Scholarships USA
Jenny Hedley - Men's Golf, Fall 2023
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Hi John,
I’ve just found your messsge today- thank you so much for all your kind words.
Your help over the past year has been second to none- your support has been amazing and we wouldn’t have got through it all without you.
Charlie and all of us are so excited as he’s about to embark on his new adventure in life- I can’t believe in 2 weeks he’ll be there!
Take care and thank you again so much for everything.
With our very best wishes to you and Rita
Nicola Pickering, Mark and Charlie Phillips - Men’s Soccer - Wilmington, USA 2023/24
Hi John
As Kaiden’s grandad I can not thank you enough for all the significant support you have given to Kaiden and his mum Vickie in order that the path to America has ran smoothly - never believed there was so much behind the scenes to complete and without your professionalism and immediate input at times it would not have been!
Thanks John - so much to thank you for
Brian (Kaiden Loveday - USCL 2023)
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Hi John, It has been a pleasure working with you to get Blessing to JCC. I deal with several agents and in my opinion you are the most personally involved and supportive. I hope we have opportunities to work together in the future. Best Wishes,"
Pat, Head Coach JCC Fall 2022
“I can not believe how my life has changed since one of your ex-clients told me to call you about going to play football in America – in 3 months you had me totally sorted finding a College that has pedigree on and of the pitch and was within my budget – help with the hurdles was second-to-none!”
Ryan Ford – Jefferson County, Missouri 2022
“Since we first met with you John we have never had any doubt we made the right decision to choose you to help Harry move to the USA in 2020 – professional, sincere, honest advice are all attributes we relied on and we thank you very much”
Harry, Helen & Paul Acklam – OLLU, Texas 2022
“Thank you, John, for helping me transfer to the NCAA – big move and excited for sure – your guidance invaluable!”
Shaun Spencer – Slippery Rock University 2022
“John and Rita you have been top class as a company and as individuals in helping Lewis achieve his ambition to study and play university soccer in the USA – can not thank you enough in getting him through all the paperwork involved – prompt replies to our pleas for help much appreciated”
Family Coates – St Marys University, Texas 2022
"Hello John,
I hope yourself and Rita are doing well. I just wanted to reach out and say thank you for all of your help with my placements here in the USA.
I graduated at OLLU San Antonio yesterday with the highest distinction. I am job hunting right now for my OPT and figuring out my next steps.
Thanks again and best wishes"
Jack Parker
Men’s Soccer
OLLU 2019/22
Graduated May 2022
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"Thanks for all your help john – its sincerely appreciated.
Whatever happens you have really made the process easy and enjoyable and importantly made us both feel like you care about what happens to Riley"
Thanks again
Darren Green
"Hi John, just wanted to say again how appreciative I am for making this process so easy and stress free for me. In you I feel as though I have not only an excellent, personable agent, but a friend. I have booked my flight and head out on the 2nd. I can’t wait for this massive opportunity and incredible experience and I have you to largely thank for that.
Thanks again John."
Eliot Goldthorp
28 July 2021
2021 Freshman
Men’s Soccer
ODU Norfolk Virginia
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"John, I also would like to reiterate what I said last night in that this offer of scholarship in the space of 2 weeks couldn’t have been possible without you and I really appreciate everything that you’ve done for me by making this happen. There isn’t a better agent for anyone who wants to explore America not just me. My parents would also like to pass on their many thanks and regards to you and Rita.
Thank you!"
Eliot Goldthorp
February 2021
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"I made it John!
None of this would be possible without you mate, thanks for everything! I really really am appreciative of your help over the years - thank goodness I chose Sporting Scholarships USA - you get to know your players John and what makes them tick because you make the time and priority to do so - thank you so much!"
Ollie Wright, San Antonio FC
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"I would like to the thank you and Rita for always being there for me whenever I needed help or assistance and then having the patience to sit back and let me make my decision. I truly do believe that you guys are the most amazing people and if I was to ever recommend anybody I wouldn't hesitate to shout to the hills in praise for the service you give and the care that you take to represent your players."
Sam Hencken
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"Hi John
Just wanted to let you know my admiration on your honesty, integrity, professionalism, determination and concern for the welfare of your players that you have shown whenever we do business together - I value the experience you have in this business and also the opinion and advice you offer when asked - thank you
Furthermore, you are one of the very few recruiters that looks after his players from the start of the process until they arrive in the USA - I know these players appreciate this as one of the benefits of signing up to a smaller, more family orientated company where the athletes get the personal attention
Thanks again John - fully appreciate all your efforts
Michael Poropat, Head Soccer Coach, LSU Alexandria
August 2020
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"Hi John
Aaron will be heading to the airport today in preparation for his flight out to Texas tomorrow. I wanted to thank you for your time, effort and patience throughout the process in getting us to this point. Greatly appreciated by all of us for sure. Aaron is very much looking forward to the next chapter in his life and we are looking forward to hearing all about it at Christmas.
Again, thank you John."
Aaron, Gillian and Dominic Rich
August 2021
"Hello John
It has been a manic few days for us getting my flights booked 2 days ago then flying out to Louisiana today!Just want to say thank you so much for all your hard work and determination during this process and helping me so much to get out to the USA - my personal thanks and from my parents too - impressed with Sporting Scholarships USA from start to finish in so many ways - thank you John."
James Averies (Glenn and Julie Averies)
August 2021
"Thanks for caring about your players John! I’ve always loved and respected that about you. You’re a great man and you do great things for your kids. That is why I always trust you when you try and send me players!"
Tyler Brock, Head Men’s Soccer Coach, UNOH - February 2020
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"Hi John, I just wanted to write a short message to thank you for everything you have done for me up to allow me to continue playing football and studying at a top d1 university - thank you so much!"
Anu Junior Alemanji - August 2019
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"Hi John
We as a family will like to thank you and your wife for all that you done in making Anu’s dreams come true. Playing football has always been Anu’s wish and as parents we are pleased to have made this come happen for him - of course, Anu will not be where he is today without the hard work you and your wife put in; we as a family would like to take opportunity to thank you very much. Words cannot express how will feel."
Many thanks.
Bernard Alemanji (on behalf of the Alemanji’s family). - August 2019
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"John, thank you so much for your help with this, sir. You are very thorough and professional, and I believe that you will continue to help young men move forward in their lives by opening doors for them to use football to go on to university. Feel free to use my recommendation on your website, and for any players you are trying to recruit. You are a true gentleman, and it has been a pleasure working with you."
Coach John Griffin - Men's Soccer, SWCU
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"John, Thanks very much for all your help, I think we’d have been in a very tough spot without it."
Jack Parker - transfer athlete- Fall 2019
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'"Sam has informed me of the conversations he's had with yourself and just wanted to add our appreciation to you for all your efforts thus far in making this happen for him. I know he is excited and is looking forward in completing the requirements outstanding and getting out to Pennsylvania!"
Alan & Claire Tinkler - January 2019
'"Thank you so much John for making this NCAA scholarship offer possible! Thanks for the hard work behind the scenes. My family and I really appreciate it!"
Tinashe Katsande - January 2019
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"Hi John Thank you so much for the update. We are most certainly proud of Aaron and thankful for the opportunities you have created for him. Once again, thank you for your support, forever indebted."
Mr & Mrs Pike = on behalf of son Aaron - Fall 2018
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"Thanks for all your help in getting Jack to the USA - you and Rita were real stars throughout the whole process - truly appreciate your efforts"
Mr and Mrs Parker - August 2018
"Hi John, felt now was an appropriate time to say thanks to yourself and Rita for all of the effort you have made helping me these past 9 months. I really appreciate the work you put in helping me find somewhere that seems like it’s really going to suit me as an athlete and a student. Excited to fly out there on Thursday! Will make sure to keep in touch with my progress."
Jack Parker - NCAA Div 2 University - Fall 2018
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"John: just want to say thank you for everything you have done to get me out to the USA - I’m very excited for the challenge and have nothing but good things to say about your company and the work you’ve done for me. Thanks and all the best"
Charlie Chechlacz 22 July 2018
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"Good Morning John and Rita
I just wanted to drop you a quick line to give you our sincere thanks for helping us to get Ben a scholarship in America.
Life is a challenge and Ben going to America is a positive life changing scenario. He now has the opportunity to spend another four years of his life doing something he loves to do and that is priceless for us as parents to know that. So I am so grateful for your help in making that a reality. The visa is on its way and we will be booking his flight shortly.
In future, if you ever need a parent to give a recommendation, please do not hesitate to ask me."
Anne Captainino (Ben Captainino, Soccer Fall 2018) 21 July 2018
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"Hi John
Thank you for the support throughout this scholarship process - it has happened so quickly too! Your professionalism cannot be questioned and we are sincerely grateful after our disappointment over many months with another company"
Aaron Pike and Parents 15 June 2018
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"Annie is enjoying St Edwards – she is back home with us for 8 weeks before heading back to the US early August. Hard to believe she has completed 18 months already. She loves the lifestyle, has made a number of great friends, and even seems to be enjoying the study (Political Science major). She has managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA so she is playing her part in delivering some good all-round results for the womens soccer program. All good and its nice to have her home for awhile. Thanks again for your ongoing support of her John – much appreciated!"
Murray Halls, NSW, Australia. 24 May 2018
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"We wanted to tell you how Alvaro's stay has been in the FAU (Miami). The course has ended this month of May and Álvaro is already at home. His school notes have been magnificent, everything A except one B. Score 3.8. The coach is very happy with his behavior and work. This new course he will continue studying there, The coach has extended the scholarship. Everything has gone great and that is also thanks to your work!"
Esther & José Otero-Rodriguez, Santiago de Compostela –A Coruña 24 May 2018
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"Thank you very much for the call yesterday. It was nice getting the chance to chat with you. In the crazy world of youth and collegiate soccer I find it rare to connect with someone who truly puts the kids first and I get that feeling from you."
Elliott Spruell, Oakland City University Head Men's Soccer Coach 30 December 2017
"Thank you John! I cannot believe the speed that this has moved at as suddenly Jack's dream has become his reality and we cannot thank you enough for your guidance and help in getting him this far. Finding somewhere so quickly, within our budget and that has such a good soccer history is fantastic! Exciting times so thank you once again"
Kindest regards
Karin & Ralph Bibby 1 November 2017
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"Tom and I greatly appreciate all your hard work and advice in placing him at a University in Tennessee. You have been fully supportive, professional and honest throughout the process to make Tom's dream come true. Exciting, career changing but something without your expertise Tom would not have achieved."
Stephanie Lake, Fall 2017
"Thanks John for getting me to Texas and into a great NCAA Div 2 soccer programme - what a journey from start to finish! Without your help it would not have happened I know that. Your experiences gained from having son Billy in the USA for 8 years meant that you and Rita had all the answers to our questions - thanks again so much'."
Ollie Wright, Fall 2017
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"Connor and I appreciate your support and guidance over the last few months and the work you have put in to make this happen . At times I thought it may never happen however the dream is becoming a reality for Connor. Exciting times and thank you so much​!"
Warren and Connor Green - Tusculum University Fall 2017
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"Just a quick email to let you know that I am coming up to graduate here at Campbellsville University. I have had a fantastic time here, had great experiences, and made some great friends. I want to thank you for helping me get here.Without your guidance and advice along the way it would not have happened and I can not thank you enough."
Josh Hollis
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"It was lovely to meet you today and thank you for taking the time to travel to see us. Ella and I have had a chat and decided we would love you to represent Ella in the US application process. We both felt very comfortable in safe and knowledgeable hands, more so than any other company we have spoken to."
Anna (and daughter Ella) Swift
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"Having been placed amongst the top 50 Freshmen in the USA as an NCAA Div 1 soccer player in 2016, I think it is fair to say it's suiting Elliott Bentley out there! Watched him play on Saturday, and thought he did a really good job. He's made some good friends too, and is off to New York City for thanksgiving.
Definitely made the right choice to go to Hartwick so thanks so much for all your help, advice and determination John".
Best regards
Teresa
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"Hi John
I wanted to say a huge thank you - not only for the gracious way that you responded to my feedback but also for the key pieces of advice that you gave me to pass on to Jagan. This really got us thinking and re-questionning our choice, and thank you for being available to talk to Jagan and his dad, they told me that they felt very positive following your conversation. Jagan plans to give you another call when you return from holiday and I believe he has now made his choice. The honest and candid relationship we feel we now have with you is particularly important. This in addition to the positive relationships that both you and Jagan have now and your approach which allows Jagan more control/sight of the process than the other organisation has altered his and our view. I hope that you can understand our reasoning to explore alternative opportunities, we are passionate about ensuring Jagan has the best possible chance of an excellent scholorship opportunity. We now feel much more confident that you are able to support Jagan in finding a suitable opportunity for him. We are so grateful that you are prepared to invest so much in the process to get to know what is important to Jagan/our family and whilst we understand we must not be unrealistic, we know what Jagan is capable of and want to fight hard to help him every way possible."
Thanks again, Sharn
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"Just wanted to give you the final part of Jess's USA adventure. Although the 2015/16 season wasn't a great one for the LIU Blackbirds, Jess played every game, continued to perform well in goal and grew as a player. She graduated in May with a BA cum laude in English Literature with her final dissertation winning a monetary prize! Last Saturday I was lucky enough to be at her wedding in up state New York and now she and her (US) partner are on a road trip over to California ( Sacramento) where they plan to live.Jess will look for a local team to play for and continue to write! All of this exciting adventure has come about through the great job you did in finding her a Uni in the USA, so we would both like to thank you. The experiences she has had over there both on and off the soccer field have shaped her future and enabled her to fulfill her wish to study, play soccer and now live in the USA. Thanks again and best wishes to you and your family in the future, "
Kind regards,
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Sue and Jess Montrose ​ ​
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"Richard It was good to talk to you the other day regarding your son looking into US Colleges. As I mentioned I have CC’d John Sparks who runs a professional company that helps British Students research and choose the right university in the USA. As I said this route is very helpful and there are many options out there for “agencies” but John is the one I would use if I was sending my son. Enough said."
Dale D. White
Head Men's Soccer Coach Gannon University 109 University Square Erie, PA 16541
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John
Thanks for successfully placing my son Johnny at a college in the USA after only 5 weeks on your books!!. The collegiate route there was definitely the best one for Johnny and the professional approach you employ, coupled with the high level of care for all of us has been first class. The great scholarship offer was fantastic news. I would heartily recommend you and your company Sporting Scholarships USA to parents, players and coaches seeking soccer scholarships or recruiting players respectively.
Paul Buckle
John
I wanted to send you an email to say thank you again for the help that you have done this year with Matt and Jack as well as the work you did for Gary in the past. Hopefully we can continue to have a great relationship with KWC. I have worked with a lot of recruiting services both here in the states and internationally and you have been one of the most organized and helpful individuals I have worked with. You have a great reputation which I will continue to support in the future. Thanks,
John Fusco – Head Men’s Soccer Coach, Kentucky Wesleyan College, Owensboro, Kentucky.
Hi John It is Nicole Johnston who went to Radford University for Soccer and then transferred to University of Montevallo and I am nearing my end of the college career. I have had such an amazing time out here and can not thank you enough for all your help. Thanks
Nicole Johnston (Women’s Soccer) – University of Montevallo, Alabama.
Hello John
Just emailing to inform you all that I am grateful for the help in getting me over to America. There were lots of decisions to be made throughout the process and your guidance and experience has helped me to make which I know right now, is the right one. I have been in Durango for nearly 3 weeks now and love it already. People are friendly, the football is good and I am enjoying the experience of living in a different country and experiencing their culture. Classes start on Monday, and I plan to apply myself with just as much determination and focus as I do with football to my studies. Kind regards Isaac Currie
Isaac Currie
Hi John I’ve been in the US almost three weeks now and I just wanted to let you know that I love it here already. I’ve fit right into the squad and made plenty of new friends, everyone has made me feel welcome and they’re all so friendly. I played in my first game yesterday and won 5-1, so it’s a good start to the season. Just wanted to say thank you to you for all the work you’ve put in to make it possible for me to be out here playing football. All the best and thank you. Connor
Connor Bryan (Men’s Soccer) – Williams Baptist College, Arkansas
Hi John This is to let you know that Ella has completed her first week at Converse College and has today been granted her amateur athletic status by the NCAA. I travelled with her to the USA and was made to feel very welcome by the faculty and Coach John Constable. The campus is breath-taking and the brand spanking new multi-million dollars sports facilities even more-so!!!! The CC Soccer Valkyries have started the season in a strong manner and have won their first 2 games. We would like to thank you for your support and hope that some of Ella’s past team mates come to you to similarly help them. All the best Christine Galbraith
– parent of Ella Ritchie (Women’s Soccer) – Converse College, South Carolina
Hi - hope you are well - Marcus is loving the USA and Kansas. He has been training at 5.30 in the morning and is doing really well getting freshman of the week from the coach. Marcus played the full 90mins of his first soccer match (which was unheard of & had never been done before by a freshman) and the score was 4-4. It’s only been two weeks Marcus has been to a professional baseball & football game, out for meals, whilst I was face timing him Friday night, a bunch of girls knocked on his door & invited him to a pool party at their house! The academic side Marcus was a bit worried about, however, after his first week all is fine & it’s not a difficult as he thought it would be. I would like to thank you both on behalf of Marcus & myself for giving him this opportunity, & for all your hard work & support to make it all happen. I will keep you updated, as its early days yet! Colette Robinson
– parent of Marcus Robinson (Men’s Soccer), St Mary’s University, Kansas
Hi John Just a quick mail to let you know how Bruce is getting on. Arrived last Sunday, so now done his first week, so far so good. Everything at the college seems really good, great facilities, friendly teammates, good food and he’s been well looked after. Soccer standard he says is very good, training 3 times a day at the moment, great sessions (lost 9lbs in weight through sweating basically!!). As you said at the time, it’s closest thing to playing pro without playing pro, they seem really well looked after. Academic side is very good too, he even seems to be enjoying this. Skyped him last night and he seems very relaxed about everything, getting out and about with his new mates, it seemed like he’s been there for months. Anyway, early days and all that, but the early signs seem to be so much better than I imagined they’d be. I’d like to thank you for all your help and guidance through the process, being able to speak to someone who’s been through it (as a parent and as a player and beyond) really made all the difference. The last showcase we came to where your son Billy spoke to us all really made our minds up that it was the right route to follow. Many thanks, and I’ll keep you posted on how things are going. Cheers Andy
Andy Kitchen – parent of Bruce Kitchen (Men’s Soccer) Piedmont College, Georgia
Hello John
Like many other parents I am sure, when we were first told by our son that he could get a university soccer scholarship in America, we were at best sceptical, at worst thinking no chance. However, it was evident that John had the most important thing we did not have which was the contacts in the US universities. Even after signing up we were still very unsure if he could deliver what was promised. We have to say he delivered more than we ever expected, five offers within 2 weeks of Matt’s profile being actively marketed by John who was always available to offer advice and guidance to ensure Matt got the right offer to suit the football he wanted as well as the academics.
We have no hesitation in saying that John gave us a great service, not only up to the point of securing a place but also afterwards with help and advice on completing the follow up contacts and paperwork. We would certainly never have achieved the outcome we did without his help and he has Matt can now take up a fantastic opportunity over the next four years doing exactly what he hoped to do. You can’t really ask for a better result than that!
Jayne & Alan Hickingbotham – parents of Matt Hickingbotham (Men’s Soccer), Kentucky Wesleyan College John I wanted to send you an email to say thank you again for the help that you have done this year with Matt and Jack as well as the work you did for Gary in the past. Hopefully we can continue to have a great relationship with KWC and Sporting Chance USA. I have worked with a lot of recruiting services both here in the states and internationally and you have been one of the most organized and helpful individuals I have worked with. You have a great reputation which I will continue to support in the future. Thanks, John Fusco – Head Men’s Soccer Coach, Kentucky Wesleyan College, Owensboro, Kentucky.
Hi John
Everything is sorted now John. Got my acceptance from NCAA & UIW, got my visa and sorted my flight! It’s just a waiting game now. Once again, my family and I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me. This dream wouldn’t have been possible without you! Ryan
Ryan Osborne (Mens Soccer) – University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio Texas – Fall 2014
Hi John
Great news! Yesterday I watched Sam and his team the Timberwolves lift the Trophy for the Division 3 Regional Championship against TC3 Panthers !!! Sam was on fire and set up the assist for the only goal in the match. Coach Jepson has created a real quality team here! I have to thank you again so much for all you have done to facilitate Sam’s move to ACC. He is having the time of his life and playing soccer at a very high standard! With Regards Jonathan Kersh
– parent of Sam Kersh, (Men’s Soccer) Adirondack CC, New York State
Hi John
Just a quick email to say a HUGE thank you for your support and help with Jess’s transfer. After her experience at UCONN and an anxious phone call from me to you John, you were extremely helpful and proactive….particularly as I know you do not usually get involved with transfers. This was above and beyond on your part and very much appreciated! Jess is currently back in the US staying with friends before she heads to LIU on August 4th for a weeks pre-season in Las Vegas! (it’s a hard life….) She is very much looking forward to starting a whole new adventure in the USA. Thanks again.
Sue and Jess Montrose (Women’s Soccer)
Hi John I apologise that it’s been a while. As you know it’s a little difficult to settle in out here. Only going home for Christmas break and then coming back, I have truly become settled. Firstly I’d like to personally thank you for all your hard work in making sure I got out here, you did a really excellent job and I’ll be forever in your debt for your hard work and determination in making this transaction happen. I thought I’d let you know how I got on in the first semester and how I’m doing at the start of this one. I only got to play 7 games because it took forever for me to get cleared. But once I did, I played every minute of every game. It’s a little quiet out here in Kansas but the people are lovely. I’m currently majoring in Healthcare Management which is going to have a very promising future. I just thought I’d let you know how I’m getting on and how much I appreciate what you did for me. Thank you again. Chaz
Chaz Pitman– St Mary’s University, Kansas.
Hi John Just a quick email saying thanks for helping me find this university and giving me this opportunity to come and study over here in the USA. Thanks from me and my family. Ben
Ben Wilks; Tennessee Wesleyan College
Hi John
Thank you very much John for your help and patience. Honestly, you have been the best person I have worked with in your type of role. If you have any questions or need anything else let me know. Adam
Adam W. Preston – Men’s Soccer Coach, Campbellsville University
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