Second chance has led me to USA study (From Echo)

Second chance has led me to USA study

9:00pm Tuesday 30th June 2009

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SCHOOL isn’t for everyone, but a lack of learning doesn’t have to end your dreams, as Mark Baptist is proving.

Following in the footie studs of fellow Essex star David Beckham, Mark, 20, from Rochford, has just finished his first year studying on a business sports management degree at the University of Indiana, in America, a place he gained through being awarded a soccer scholarship It’s a far cry from his disappointing GCSE results and is all thanks to studying a vocational qualification at South East Essex College.

After finishing school, Mark got a place on the Btec National Certificate in Sport, part of the college’s prestigious Football Academy which has FA chartered status.

Mark admits it has opened up a lot of doors for him. He said: “I wasn’t interested in learning at school and I only went because I had to, which meant I didn’t end up with the best GCSEs.

“But at the college I really found the teachers treated you like an adult and just loved the practical side of it all, being active and not stuck in the classroom for too long.

“The practical part of the course motivates you more to complete the academic side of it.

“If people were aware of the range of practical courses like this, then more people would be interested in staying on at college.

“Without this experience, which gave me a good qualification, I wouldn’t have been able to go and study and continue my love of football over in America. It really made me look at my life differently and has just opened up so many avenues for me.”

Alan Pease, programme manager for sport at the college, says: “Mark is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through ability and sheer hard work and he is realising his undoubted potential.

“He is a true inspiration to staff and students alike and I can think of no better role-model to other young adults looking to forge a successful career in sport and take advantage of the second chance that is offered to many young adults at South East Essex College.”

Mark’s also had a lot of support from friends to help pursue his dream, especially his mum, dad and girlfriend.

He says: “Without their support, I don’t think I could have done it.”

Now is an exciting time to be involved in football in America, or soccer as its called in the States, thanks, of course, to David Beckham.

Mark says: “With the Beckham effect, soccer is a lot bigger than it used to be and it’s going to be one of the biggest sports out there in a couple of years, and I hope to be able to play a part in that.”

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