OV gives insight into his American University football scholarship experience

It has been great to hear how Cameron Mathewson (Cr 11-18) has been getting on whilst attending the George Washington University in America with a US football scholarship. He shared with us the following update:

“It was whilst playing for England Independent Schools that my interest in a US soccer scholarship opened up. We played in a triangular tournament at St George’s Park, the FA’s national football centre. We attended a presentation from a student athlete who explained how American universities offer top level academics combined with state-of-the-art training facilities and professional stadiums.

Having to complete the US equivalent entrance exams at the same time as doing A level revision was really tough but getting into a strong academic and soccer programme was my key driver. I received offers from 3 universities and, in the end, chose George Washington University in Washington DC.

Right in the heart of the US capital, the GWU campus is just a few blocks from the White House, the World Bank and the IMF headquarters. Washington DC offers a great combination of top-notch academics with the excitement and convenience of living in the heart of a beautiful city.

I am studying a double major in Finance and Statistics and hearing from academics who have worked in some of the largest institutions in the US. We play soccer every day, training for 2 hours. GWU compete in the NCAA Division 1 and the standard is really high. The experience of playing at Duke University and flying from East to West to play at Oregon against Portland University in front of 3000 people has been incredible.

I am in the middle of my junior year (3rd year), and Washington DC, like the rest of the world is in the midst of the pandemic. The city has experienced the inauguration of President Biden and the soccer season has just started, having been deferred until the Spring semester. We are being tested for Covid-19 on a weekly basis. Using an iPhone app from the university, you are not permitted to travel across the city without a green icon showing on the app. Aside from soccer training, my main focus right now is applying for Investment Banking internships. I cannot believe I’m more than halfway through the soccer scholarship already. I wouldn’t have been given this opportunity without the support of King’s and in particular from former Headmaster Mr Armstrong, who guided me personally through the US academic process.”

A massive thank you to Cameron for sharing his university journey so far and for giving a sense of what American university life is like, especially during these unusual times. We look forward to hearing more from Cameron at a later date.