Our Dream Maker Program allows second and third year students to develop a professional portfolio that showcases their academic interests, passions, and skills. We then share this portfolio with companies that match the student's skills and aspirations in order to aid them in discovering a future career. We want to ensure that our graduating students discover a field they are interested in that then leads to a purposeful life.  While talk of next career steps can be daunting, our partner career coach, Nadia Ibrahim-Taney of Beyond Discovery Coaching makes navigating and leveraging a university degree manageable. Nadia's first-hand knowledge of how to operationalize a degree in the job market and is here to help our UDA students thrive. Before the new academic year gets into full swing, We'd also like to welcome our student-athletes who have returned to their on-campus abodes or those who are just joining a UDA program and are beginning their studies and training at New Mexico State University, the University of Chester and the University of Gloucestershire. Get to Know some of our players!As our Academy students are settling in, we wanted to take the opportunity to get to know some of players on a more personal level! Meet Carlos Ramirez from Greeley, Colorado who will be joining the New Mexico State University Academy.
Meet Joshua Edlemann from Michigan who will be joining the University of Gloucestershire Academy.
Meet Reed Johnson who will be joining the University of Chester Academy.
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NMSU offers a wide variety of student activities in the beautiful southwest region of the U.S. Nestled within the Organ mountains of Las Cruces, a vibrant and history-rich community, NMSU has a calendar chock-full of events.  "I was getting emails from other soccer clubs and associations, and I signed UDA as one of them and it was different — they give the game a different approach, a year round soccer. You can play soccer at NMSU, which has worked for me because I live in New Mexico. I also wanted to go to a university nearby to receive in- state tuition. That's how I found out about UDA. So I went to one of their trials in Texas, and I ended up liking it a lot. UDA’s recruitment process was also really good. They gave me a different approach than other soccer camps that I've been to, and told me to play how I needed to. I felt very welcomed from the start.  I'm also excited for college. I'm going to be living in a dorm, and I’m looking forward to a normal college experience, such as meeting new people and moving ahead. UDA has also given me the option to study here for two years and then study at the University of Chester in England, and I am leaning more towards that option. I don’t want to move right away because I have family here. For now, I’m planning to go with the flow and focus on school and soccer."
How does uda prepare student athletes for university?“We spend a lot of time in preparation before our students go to college. First, we introduce them to the program and share our expectations. We also invite them to an ID camp where they get to meet us one-on-one in person. Then, we invite them to an orientation where our UK staff come over to our US staff to ensure that students and staff are at the same place for the weekend. In this way, the first stage of the preparation is in the US. We also have a strong support network in the UK — from the coaching staff to the university — to guide students through their programs. As students come to the end of their careers, we hold two events. The first one is at the start, which is the Dream Maker program. The other event is a series called Life After UDA where we talk about visa process as well as soccer and career opportunities. In this way, we are involved in helping our students navigate their college life before they get there, once there, and help them figure out what they are going to do after.”
What are the advantages of pursuing higher education through uda?“One of the biggest advantages for a player to pursue a program through UDA is the longevity of the training seasons. Typically, American students will go three to four months in training, but with UDA, they will train for nine months of the year. The students also play more games — we guarantee them 25 to 30 games. In addition to playing 25 to 30 games, the students are also going to be coached by professionals that have played in professional games, and now have coached in the professional game. Players gain three crucial benefits: longer playing, longer training, and the guidance of qualified professionals.” what are you looking for in players?“We want to make sure our students complete the course, so we’re looking for students who are in good academic standing. We’re also looking for students with good character — honesty and reliability. We also want our players to be able to think critically so that they can solve problems without help. We have played with very technical players who have good mechanics, and are highly skilled, and that is usually what I look for in our potential players.” What advice do you have for those who are considering applying to a uda program?“Research the programs. Do as much research as you can on the potential programs; make it a job to research the program and your college opportunities.” how do you help students plan their academic life?“We first ask students what they think would fall in line with their career goals. We also ask them to think about the cost: whether the program is affordable. Finally, we advise them to find a program that can go side-by-side with their soccer and academic career.”
Last year, UDA NMSU collaborated with the NMSU Office for Student Success to create a developmental youth soccer program to expand their recreation portfolio within the state of New Mexico. As part of that collaboration, UDA has started a community outreach program in Sisbarro Park.  "UDA has brought 35 students to NMSU who wouldn’t have otherwise been here. They are contributing to our “Aggie Life” and offering local soccer games with semi-pro teams," stated Derek Dictson, Vice President of Advancement and President of Advancement at the NMSU Foundation. "As part of our Local, State and Regional Outreach we hosted the New Mexico Youth Soccer Association (NMYSA) in Las Cruces for one of their Regional Olympic Development Program Identification Camps that also took place at Sisbarro Park. The event was a big success, and [NMYSA] appreciated the opportunity to be on campus on a good playing surface," continued Dictson.  "This has been a wonderful collaboration ... thank you again for all that you do for NMSU and Las Cruces!" Dictson remarked. We look forward to our continued relationships with the Las Cruces community and the NMSU as we expand the local soccer opportunities available.  As another season and school term approaches, the excitement of welcoming new student athletes to the UDA Academy at New Mexico State University heightens. This season we are pleased to welcome 25 first year students to the NMSU Academy. We are even more excited that our student athletes will have the chance to live on campus and experience what it's like to be a student in the beautiful city of Las Cruces. Our mission is to change lives through education, and we believe that through New Mexico State's campus, academic programs faculty and outstanding facilities will allow our student athletes to not only live our mission, but exceed their goals.  As the new term approaches, our goal remains the same - to help student athletes find a program in which they can study, live and thrive. For incoming recruit Solomon Moss from Peoria, AZ we believe we have done just that, "what drew me to UDA at New Mexico State University was the fact that I get to train nine months out of the year and hope to improve my game with the team" stated Moss. In addition to playing football year round, our student athletes will gain the skills they need to be successful off the pitch while studying at New Mexico State. Head Coach, Tahlon Drake reflects on what student athletes can expect at the UDA NMSU program, "The main difference between UDA and a regular university soccer program is the all year training. So when someone asks what will the student athlete be benefiting from the program, my response is simple - development."
There is a lot to look forward to beginning this fall and welcoming a new set of parents and students to the UDA family is just one of them. Drake notes that he is excited to meet the incoming student athletes and keep building connections with those returning. "I'm looking forward to getting to know the new group of players coming in. What makes them tick, how are they motivated and what their goals and dreams outside of soccer are." Amidst the busyness of a new term, our liaison officer, Alexis Mendoza will be there for each student, equipped with the ability to help as everyone gets settled and prepare for a successful year both on and off the pitch. We are excited to see our student athletes thrive at the UDA NMSU academy! Interested in learning more?Here's a start to our fall schedule! We will still be adding the total UPSL schedule, as well as a Home/Home series with NM United Academy and up to 3 additional matches vs El Paso Locomotive Academy. 
 Find out more about the UDA Soccer program at New Mexico State University. Click here to access upcoming webinar dates! 
UDA is pleased to introduce Nadia Ibrahim-Taney as part of the Dream Maker Program for UDA students. Nadia studied a degree in the UK and has first-hand knowledge and expertise on how to effectively leverage a British degree in the U.S. job market in order to maximize the chances of landing interviews and negotiating higher salaries.  Nadia Ibrahim-Taney is the founder and principal career coach for Beyond Discovery Coaching. She is an experienced higher education administrator with a prestigious tenure of working with American students in the United States and the United Kingdom. Nadia founded Beyond Discovery Coaching as a way to combine her previous experience as a British university recruiter representing over 45 UK universities and her current role as a career coach at a U.S. university. As a career coach, Nadia helps students design happy and fulfilling (dream) careers and mentors students through the transition from university to the professional workplace. Students find her unique insights on resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn optimization particularly helpful in their job search.  Nadia Ibrahim-Taney is the founder and principal career coach for Beyond Discovery Coaching. She is an experienced higher education administrator with a prestigious tenure of working with American students in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Nadia founded Beyond Discovery Coaching as a way to combine her previous experience as a British university recruiter representing over 45 UK universities and her current role as a career coach at a U.S. university. As a career coach, Nadia helps students design happy and fulfilling (dream) careers and mentors students through the transition from university to the professional workplace. Students find her unique insights on resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn optimization particularly helpful in their job search. Students are welcome to contact Nadia directly via email in order to learn more about working with her: nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com You can view Nadia’s work on Instagram at @beyonddiscoverycoaching to learn about her career coaching work with students seeking to maximize their career opportunities. UDA will be hosting a Dream Maker Webinar with Nadia on April 25th 6pm EST for students and their families to learn how Nadia can help with securing their dream career. UDA at Menaul AcademyUDA, with its ever evolving mission to change lives through education, is partnering with Menaul School, an international residential and day school that has served students since 1896. With over 300 days of sunshine in Albuquerque, the academy will offer students year-round training in one of the most beautiful regions of the U.S. The program is differentiated from other programs of this type as it provides direct routes into higher education institutions that are partnered with UDA in the UK and USA. Lindsey GIlbert, President and Head of Menaul stated, “Menaul School is thrilled by this partnership with UDA. We bring strong “World Smart” academics, a rich and safe residential experience for our students and great athletic facilities based on our 125 years of tradition preparing students to succeed in Mind, Body and Spirit. UDA brings professional level coaching and training for serious young soccer players who also seek to be scholars prepared for university study.”
Brian Haley, Executive Director at UDA stated, “We recognise that similar residential programs exist around the country for aspiring soccer players - what will make this program different is our pathways. UDA has already established several pathways for students aspiring to move directly from the new high school academy into higher education and soccer opportunities in the UK or the USA.” Haley stated further, “Our goal is to make the academy accessible to all students from across the USA and around the world. Menaul is renowned for its commitment to quality and global education with its student centred focus throughout their learning and living environment. The program’s year-round playing will help students reach their optimal potential while maximizing their opportunities to move into world class higher education institutions at one of UDA’s partner universities.”
Laura Hille, International Admission Director stated, "Menaul School has a long history of welcoming students from around the world, and we are excited to continue this tradition into the 21st Century. We want all students to be able to understand the world around them and to find their place in the world at Menaul School. We provide a friendly environment that celebrates our individual students and our collective community of diverse cultures, customs, and perspectives." The program is set to launch in Sept. 2022, however recruitment is open this summer. To kick off recruitment, UDA will be operating a residential summer camp program from June 20th-28th. There is an option for International and out-of-state students to take part in a tour of the American Southwest from June 25-28th as part of the UDA-Menaul Experience. More information about the UDA at Menaul Academy can be found here. Please see the UDA at Menaul Summer Academy for specific information about the summer event, or contact Director of Recruitment, Coach Seamus Reilly at sreilly@udauk.org.
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