Football Teammates Share Their Overseas Experience

Teammates Nick Alberto (McDaniel College) and Dante Edwards (Benedictine College) have enjoyed a fantastic season together during their year overseas so far.

Following their strong individual performances on the field, both players have recently signed professional contracts that will see them extend their playing careers in Europe upon completing their master’s degrees.

With both players getting ready for their Semi-Final in the BUCS National Championship this weekend (13th March), we ask them about their experience in the U.K. so far and what advice they would give to any student-athlete considering playing overseas as a grad student.

Nick Alberto “My football experience in the U.K. has been everything I could’ve ever imagined and then some.” After playing four years of football at McDaniel College as a wide receiver, Nick has effortlessly transitioned to quarterback for his university side this year. After completing his master’s degree, Nick will travel to Germany to begin his professional football career.

After being a student-athlete in the U.S. how would you compare your time as a student in the UK?

It is pretty similar to be honest. The coaches and players take the game very seriously. Everyone has one common goal and that’s to win a championship. The strength and conditioning sessions are intense and so are the practices. We have effective team meetings and critical film sessions. Being a student athlete at Leeds Beckett offers a unique experience. You will meet people from all over the world studying and playing a sport here. Whether it’s through your sport, or through your course, there’s an immensely diverse student population.

Outside of football, have you enjoyed your time living in the U.K. so far?

Without a doubt. I’ve been doing my best to try and see everything the UK has to offer while I’m here. In my free time I’ve been able to visit places such as the Yorkshire Dales, Manchester, Pontefract and York. There are also plenty of things to do while in Leeds like bowling, axe throwing, going to the movies, shopping at the mall, etc. I’ve been doing my best to immerse myself into English culture, but I still can’t change soccer to football in my vocabulary.

What would be your advice to any future student-athlete who is considering playing overseas as a grad student?

My advice would be to do it. In my opinion, if you can afford it there’s no reason not to. It is a great opportunity and I can honestly say this has been the best experience of my life. Being able to live in another country and form relationships with people from all over the world is rare. My time in the UK has brought me friends and memories that will last a lifetime and for that I’m thankful.

Dante Edwards “We played a home game against our rival school (Durham), and it was one of the greatest games I’ve ever been a part of. “ Former Benedictine College linebacker Dante is enjoying a fantastic season whilst in the U.K. playing on both sides of the ball. As a result of his performances, Dante will travel to Finland later this year where he will represent the Porvoon Butchers in his first professional season.

What first motivated you to pursue playing overseas?

I had finished my college career and felt like I still had some unpacked potential. I still had a burning desire to play, and just felt like I had a lot of football left in me.

After being a student-athlete in the U.S. how would you compare your time as a student in the UK?

It’s different for sure. The learning style is a lot more hands on than in the states. My field of study (Strength & Conditioning) especially, has me physically doing a lot of the things that we learn so it’s really a fun time. I like the U.K. a lot. The culture here is very strong, and fun to participate in. Everyone I’ve been around has been kind and courteous. The weather is a bit disheartening but once you get used to it (or pack an umbrella), it really is a nice place to live/visit.

What would be your advice to any future student-athlete who is considering playing overseas as a grad student?

DO IT. My experience here has been well worth the sacrifice. The football experience has given me friends and memories I’ll hold onto for the remainder of my life. Meanwhile, the education is top tier and nothing short of what I desired. Be open to new ways of doing things, and you’ll have a great time.