BUCS to Professional: Men’s Football

Governed by British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS), Football stands as a cornerstone of UK university sport.

The UK’s university football landscape currently consists of over 50 leagues that encompass nearly 600 men’s and women’s teams.

From October to April, thousands of players have the opportunity to train, develop, and improve during an exciting season of inter-university competitions.

Beyond the thrill of national league and cup competitions, BUCS football has served as a stepping stone to professional opportunities for all those involved in football at the university level, from players to university staff.

Earlier this week, Tom Shaw, Head of Football at Nottingham Trent University, was appointed the new Assistant Head Coach at League One side, Lincoln City Football Club. As we delve into Tom’s remarkable journey, we also spotlight some players who have transitioned from BUCS football to the professional game in recent years.

NTU Head of Football, Tom Shaw announced as Assistant Head Coach at League One side, Lincoln City

For the past six years, Tom Shaw has held the position of Head of Football at Nottingham Trent University, one of the UK’s top ranked sporting universities.

Get to know four current professional players who played BUCS Football

The connection between university football and the professional game is further illustrated by the success stories of players who have navigated the BUCS system and gone on to play professionally around the world.

Will Evans, a Cardiff Metropolitan University alum, made a name for himself by playing in the Cymru Premier, the highest tier of Welsh football.

Following multiple BUCS Championship victories with his university team, Evans etched his name in history as a pivotal member of the first university side to advance to the UEFA Europa League, appearing in the preliminary rounds of the 2019-20 competition. During an interview with clwbpeldroed.org, Tom explained:

“When I first came to Uni, I didn’t even know they had a Saturday League team! I spoke to one of my cousins who came to Cardiff Met, he said they had this BUCS thing on a Wednesday, so I went to the trials.”

Now at League Two side, Newport County AFC, Evans made headlines by becoming the first player in the top four tiers of English football to score 10 goals during the 2023-24 season.

Mustapha Bundu’s remarkable soccer journey began at Hartpury College, where he played a pivotal role in clinching Hartpury University’s BUCS Premier South League title in 2016. Speaking about his time at Hartpury, Bundu said:

“I really enjoyed my time at Hartpury. One of the reasons I chose to come to Hartpury was so I could get an education while playing football. The whole team have been great, and I have been lucky to be part of a really good squad.”

Following stints with Copenhagen and Anderlecht, Bundu returned to the UK this year after signing with Championship side, Plymouth Argyle.

Currently competing in the second-highest football league in the UK, the Sierra Leone native has also made 14 international appearances since making his debut in 2019, finding the net three times.

Anton Dowds graduated from Heriot-Watt University with a honours degree in business law. As team captain of the men’s university football team, Dowds picked up multiple awards during his university career, from Player and Coaches’ Player of the Year to Top Goal Scorer. Dowds told Edinburgh News:

“I had four great years and loved my football at Heriot-Watt. The set-up at Heriot-Watt is so professional and I don’t know another club at that level that operates in such a way.”

After graduating, Dowds signed his first professional contract with Scottish League Two side East Fife FC.

Currently on loan to Ayr United from Partick Thistle, Dowds has enjoyed an impressive start to the year in the Scottish Championship, scoring five goals in seven league appearances so far.

James graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports and Business Studies from the University of Stirling earlier this year. During his final season, he led his university team as captain in eight competitions, playing a total of 73 games. As top scorer with 23 goals and also providing 13 assists, he lifted three trophies and enjoyed a historic run in the Scottish Cup, becoming the first student side to reach the last 32 of the competition in 50 years.

In Episode 11 of our Student Sport Insight series, James told us:

“In terms of football I’ve played a whole load of games over my four years at Stirling so the experience I have gained from that has been invaluable. Without a doubt there’s aspects of my game I have massively improved. I went from scoring one goal in my first season, to being top scorer with 23 goals in my last!”

After an incredibly successful period with the university’s team, James has continued his promising football career by signing a two year contract with Scottish League Two side, Stenhousemuir. Read James’ full insight into the life of a sport scholar at the University of Stirling here.

Pursue your football ambitions in the UK

UK universities offer an array of resources that allow aspiring professional football players to develop and grow alongside their studies. These include elite level training facilities, experienced coaches, cutting-edge sports science support, competitive leagues, and valuable networking opportunities within the football community.

The success stories of players like Will Evans, Mustapha Bundu, and Anton Dowds underscore the significant role that BUCS football plays in shaping the careers of aspiring professionals.

As Tom Shaw embarks on his new role with Lincoln City, the connection between university football and the professional game continues to strengthen, providing a pathway for talented individuals to make their mark in the world of football.

Find your BUCS team with The Student Sport Company

The Student Sport Company has a close working relationship with the UK’s leading football universities, including every institution mentioned in this article, making us well placed to advised any ambitious footballer on where to study.

Click below to register your details for our free one to one counseling service today and find out how we can help you find your BUCS team.