Personal Statement
As an athlete who has always competed at a competitive level, playing at a US college whilst studying my passion for business was the obvious next step which I aspire to take in order to challenge myself to fulfil my potential. I am keen on embracing this next stage of my life through my character and skill set, and these will further develop via the difficulties that I will face. I am constantly looking for ways in which I can self-improve in all aspects of life, in both mental and physical health whilst keeping full attention to my academic studies. I am currently a trained Level 7 Kent FA referee which has undoubtedly increased my levels of confidence. Through doing this, it has given me a great sense of fulfilment, helping younger players of the game have an opportunity to enjoy playing the sport I have so much passion for.
I was given the opportunity to trial and was grateful to be selected for the South East ISA (Independent School Association) team, in which we played matches against top professional sides ranging from the Premier League to EFL League One, such as Chelsea, West Ham, Crystal Palace, Norwich, Charlton Athletic and more. I also went on to win the ISA national championship with my previous school. Another occasion which was given to further display my ability was through representing my district for numerous years, playing with other leading players and opposition in our region. I have previously played for Dover Athletic, from U13 to U16, whose first team at this period in time competed in the Vanarama National League (Step 1), just one league shy of the professional EFL League 2.
My most recent accolade was becoming U18 league champions (Kent Premier) in 22/23, within the same season also reaching Kent Cup quarter-finals. I’m now currently playing for the Margate FC U23 team, with experience by training weekly with the first team, who currently compete in the Isthmian Premier Division (Step 3 of the English Non league pyramid system). I made my debut in the Kent Cup for the first team at the age of 18, giving me great exposure to a more professional environment. It also progressed my experience in playing in front of a larger crowd, which correlates to my improvement in the ability to control and perform under higher levels of pressure.
My strengths lie within my ability to read the game well through my off the ball positioning, helping me read movement and break up opposition's play. My capability to play both longer and shorter range passes through opposition players leads on from this, helping the team both in attack and defence. I am always ensuring that I am at the peak athletic level achievable, which poses as a strength during my gameplay. This is demonstrated through my speed, power and agile movement.
Below is a statement which demonstrates these skills, written by Ben Harding (UEFA A coach and ex-professional who competed in the EFL Championship and with appearances for the England national team at the non-league level (England C)) who coached me at Margate U18 and in one-on-one sessions: “George is a key member of the team, he is one of the most motivated players to improve his technical, tactical, physical, and psychological attributes to enable him to be the very best he can be. A keen trainer that never misses sessions, has the desire to try new things and absorb all information from the coaches. George’s physical qualities are of a very high standard and will 90% of the time have the highest work rate. George will often cover the most distance, have the highest sprint distance and top speed.”
