Introduction

The mission of STRIVE is to support at least 200 Black, Asian and ‘minority ethnic’ (“BAME”) students to achieve their potential and for each and everyone one of you to be the best version of yourself as a STRIVER. The programme of course, is open to everyone and we welcome a racially diverse cohort!

We recognise that each STRIVER is different and as a “BAME” student (a very problematic term that homogenises a very diverse range of students), your experiences of social systems, including education may be very different from your white peers. We recognise as a STRIVER who is not a racially minoritised student, you may have lots to learn about the experiences of your peers and may experience other forms of disadvantage not associated with your racial categorisation or ethnicity.

However, we acknowledge that you all have the potential to succeed and achieve your goals and that to do that successfully, we need to support you in navigating structures and deal with micro-aggressions and bias that you might face, in a healthy and positive way. We want to instil in you the belief that with the right support you do not have to be a statistic of unrealised potential. We will help you to harness your motivation and self- belief to achieve your goals and achieve success.

We do not believe in re-enforcing stereotypes. We are here to help you be the best you can be. To live well, work hard, be happy and fulfilled. You are on a journey of becoming and we are here to support you.

One person who bust stereotype myths to achieve his goals is Enoch Showumni, Founder of Global Soccer Pathways. Enoch and I first met when I had taught him Management accounting whilst he was studying MSc Finance at Leeds Business School, UK in 2013. Enoch is a former professional footballer who played for who played for a number of clubs including Luton Town Football Club, Bristol City Football Club, Leeds United Football Club and Tranmere Rovers FC. Enoch’s story is particularly inspiring given he didn’t sign his first professional contract until the age of 21 but would still go on to have a remarkable career that included 2 appearances for Nigeria. It’s a lesson that can applied beyond the realms of football – if you are patient and willing to work hard to achieve your personal and professional career goals, anything is possible.

These days Enoch is living in Florida, USA running Global Sports Pathways, a resource for soccer players where you are able to find a guide to help navigate the soccer industry.