Bradley Pritchard (2006-2010) – Charlton Athletic FC
‘ I have so many memories of playing for Loughborough, all of which have not only remained vivid but also shaped my attitude to football in some form or another. I remember that feeling of pride and excitement when I was part of the team that won BUSA gold that year in Loftus Road. Training everyday, sometimes at 7.30am with good players who would become my close friends was a privilege.’
Robbie Edmans (2006-2010) – Dagenham & Redbridge FC
‘LSAFC has given me many great memories, allowed me to meet incredible people and it helped improve me as a player at an important time of my career. The club has a long history of success, due to the hard work from everybody within it. As an alumni, I hope to see this continue long into the future.’
James Aldred (2008-2011) – Masters student at Lynn University, Florida
‘Loughborough football; so many memories, so many great people, so much to cherish. To play for Loughborough encompassed so much more than simply winning football matches. It was about togetherness in knowing that everyone else had an insatiable desire to beat us.
It was about having a quiet confidence and assurance about the quality and capabilities of any side Loughborough put out; always tough always tenacious.
Above all though was the underlying belief that if we all worked together, proud and passionate to play for Loughborough Football then success almost followed us, naturally. This is what was truly special for me.’
Ed Draper (2000-2003) – Sky Sports News Presenter
‘Through playing for a variety of teams up and down the Loughborough Pyramid and coaching the 5ths, I learnt a lot. Not just about football and sport, but also about people and how they tick. Crucially, from a job perspective, it helped me develop the organisational and communication skills that are integral to my current work in journalism.’
‘Above all it was fun and I made a lot of friends. The opportunity to play with talented, comitted, but laid-back and sociable lads was one of the highlights of my life to date, not just my time at Uni. Sure beats long-ball Club football on a Saturday with the ‘if in doubt, get it out’ brigade! Great times…although my singing never improved despite the continuous opportunities provided at the weekly socials!’
Robbie Simpson (2000-2003) – Coventry City, Huddersfield Town
‘My time at Loughborough was an invaluable stepping stone in my progression into the professional game. To achieve three BUSA gold medals was incredible in a side that had the greatest team spirit I have ever been involved with!’
Matthew Prestridge (2009-current) – Watford FC Sports Scientist
‘Having been involved as both a player and a coach/manager at the football club over the last two years I would really struggle to put a price on just how valuable the overall experience has been. The university should not only be very proud that it has such a successful club with a very high standard of players and coaches, but above all it has a great range of passionate, friendly, hard-working and down to earth people. I will be forever grateful to the club and some of it’s people for being willing to give me the opportunity to learn and develop in the game. It has opened up a lot of avenues, and I cannot speak more fondly of my time. It will be a pleasure to return in a year or so.’