US football scholarship leads to broadcast role

A university graduate who gained a football scholarship that enabled her to study in America is encouraging others to consider applying.

Poppy Miller, 22, of Newark, finished her four-degree year course in communications at the University of South Carolina Beaufort this summer.

She is now working as a digital sideline reporter and content producer with Charleston Battery Soccer Club, South Carolina.

She said the experience of studying and playing football in America was amazing and she was able to do her studies far cheaper than if she had gone to university in England.

“I paid a fraction of the fees for a degree here,” she said.

“I really just had to pay for my living costs.”

“It has been fantastic and I have loved every minute.”

Poppy said she never really enjoyed her time at school, preferring sport to academic lessons. In her spare time she played for Mansfield Town FC and her experience with them helped UK-based Sporting Chance USA to secure her a scholarship.

“There are so many opportunities for sporting scholarships in America,” said Poppy.

“It is worth considering.”

Poppy has spent the past four years combining her time at university and playing football.

“I got the best of both worlds,” she said.

She said the game was quicker than in England and initially she struggled with the heat.

“We would train every day and had two games a week from August to November,” she said.

“Off season we still had a lot of training.”

'More opportunities for girls in football'

Poppy said women’s football was much bigger in America with the national team currently fighting for equal pay with its men’s team.

“There are a lot more opportunities for girls in football and sport in general over there,” she said.

She spent the first two years of her course studying maths, English, science and art and then specialised in communications for the remaining two.

“I had some great team mates that helped make it a fantastic experience. We will be best friends for life,” she said.

Poppy wants to pursue a career in soccer broadcasting and so feels fortunate to have a job with Charleston Battery. She interviews the players before and after matches as well as doing side-line commentary.

She has a Visa for a year during which time she can stay and work as an American citizen before deciding what to do next.

Poppy comes from a close family and speaks to at least one of them every day.

She also comes home twice a year — in the summer and at Christmas — and her family have been out to visit her many times.

“The past four years have been the best time ever,” Poppy said.