NSR Australia spoke to Jacob Richards who has been part of the program since 2008. Jacob graduated from William Ross State High School and played under coach Shane Dove for the Saint Eagle South’s Football Club and is currently in his final year at AIB college of Business in Des Moines, Iowa.
How long have you been playing soccer for?
I have been playing soccer for 15 years now, starting in the U6’s in Newcastle before moving to Townsville.
How did you get involved in the NSR Program?
I received a letter from Football Queensland in the mail, and thought it would be a good opportunity to test out my skill at a training session with other kids. I didn’t have many expectations, but once selected to move on further in the process I started to think about my future prospects what this opportunity might bring.
What University/College do you attend?
I first attended Iowa Central Community College (a two year junior college) for my first two semesters/seasons and then transferred to AIB college of Business which is in Des Moines the capital city of Iowa. I decided to choose a junior college to start my journey overseas because of the coaching staff, the program and their participation in the national tournament before transferring to a bigger institution to complete my degree.
How much football do you play at College, training and games per week?
We have pre-season which starts a month before school where we train twice a day (morning and afternoon) and during this time we have three to five trial matches against other colleges. Once school starts in September, training cuts back to one afternoon session per day with a 2 mile run every morning. During September we play two games a week against other colleges to prepare for conference season which runs from late September through October. Conference game performance determines eligibility into the national tournament, which is three to four months of football, football, football!
What advice would you give to kids planning to go overseas in the next couple of years?
Do it because you won’t regret it. Home is always going to be there but you might as well go for it while you can. Not only do you get to play soccer daily but you are working towards a degree of your choice, this opportunity isn’t available back home.
Sum up college life in 5 words… Fast, different, fun, possibilities, soccer.