Are you a female undergraduate footballer aiming to combine elite-level soccer with a university degree? The UCLan Women’s Soccer Scholarship, offered by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in Preston, UK, provides £3,000–£4,000 annually to support talented female athletes competing at county or national levels.
Available through the Excellence in Sport and Elite Sports Performance awards, this scholarship offers financial support, professional coaching, and opportunities to play in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) league.
Open to both UK and international students eligible for a UK student visa, this ultimate guide covers everything you need to know about the UCLan Women’s Soccer Scholarship, including eligibility, application steps, and career benefits. Start your soccer journey in 2026!
What Is the UCLan Women’s Soccer Scholarship?
The UCLan Women’s Soccer Scholarship is a prestigious financial award offered by the University of Central Lancashire to support female undergraduate footballers who demonstrate exceptional talent.
The scholarship provides two levels of funding: £3,000 per year for the Excellence in Sport award and £4,000 per year for the Elite Sports Performance award. These funds can cover tuition, training, equipment, or living expenses, enabling students to focus on their academic and sporting goals.
The scholarship is part of UCLan’s commitment to women’s football, with scholars competing in the BUCS league and training at the university’s Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre. This scholarship is ideal for female undergraduates seeking to advance their soccer skills while earning a degree.
Why Choose the UCLan Women’s Soccer Scholarship?
The UCLan Women’s Soccer Scholarship 2026 offers significant benefits for female undergraduate footballers:
- Financial Support: Receive £3,000 (Excellence in Sport) or £4,000 (Elite Sports Performance) annually to cover tuition, training, or living costs.
- Professional Coaching: Train with experienced coaches at UCLan’s Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre, a hub for women’s football development.
- BUCS Competition: Compete in the BUCS women’s football league, gaining exposure to scouts and professional networks.
- Academic Flexibility: Pursue a degree in any field, with tailored support to balance studies and sport.
- International Opportunities: Open to international students with a UK Student Visa, promoting diversity in women’s football.
This scholarship is perfect for female athletes aiming to excel in soccer while building a strong academic foundation for careers in sports or beyond.
Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for the UCLan Women’s Soccer Scholarship 2026, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Gender and Academic Status: Be a female undergraduate enrolled or accepted at UCLan in Preston, UK.
- Football Ability: Demonstrate competitive football experience at a county, national, or international level, assessed through trials or performance records.
- Age: Typically 18–23 years old, though mature students may be considered.
- International Students: Hold or be eligible for a UK Student Visa, as outlined on the UK Government website.
- BUCS Commitment: Actively participate in BUCS women’s football competitions and represent UCLan.
The scholarship prioritizes female athletes with a passion for soccer and academic excellence. International applicants must provide proof of university acceptance and visa eligibility.
Key Details of the UCLan Women’s Soccer Scholarship
The table below summarizes essential information about the scholarship:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Preston |
| Location | Preston, UK |
| Eligibility | Female undergraduates, county/national football experience, UK Student Visa (if intl.) |
| Value | £3,000 (Excellence in Sport) or £4,000 (Elite Sports Performance) per year |
| Application Period | January–March 2026 |
| Program Duration | 1–4 years (duration of undergraduate degree) |
How to Apply for the UCLan Women’s Soccer Scholarship 2026
Securing the UCLan Women’s Soccer Scholarship requires careful preparation. Follow these steps to apply:
- Apply to UCLan: Submit an undergraduate application to UCLan via UCAS, ensuring acceptance into a degree program.
- Complete the Scholarship Application: Visit the UCLan website to access the sports scholarship application form, available from January 2026.
- Submit Supporting Documents: Provide a CV, a personal statement detailing your football achievements and academic goals, and references from coaches or teachers. International students should include visa status or eligibility proof.
- Demonstrate Football Ability: Submit match footage, BUCS performance records, or attend a trial at UCLan’s Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre to showcase skills like passing, dribbling, and game awareness.
- Apply Early: Applications typically open in January and close in March 2026, so submit by early January to meet deadlines.
Pro Tip: Highlight your leadership or teamwork skills in your personal statement, as UCLan values well-rounded athletes. International students should start their UK Student Visa application early to ensure compliance.
Benefits of the UCLan Women’s Soccer Scholarship
The UCLan Women’s Soccer Scholarship 2026 offers a range of advantages:
- Financial Relief: £3,000–£4,000 annually helps cover tuition, training, or living expenses, reducing financial stress.
- Elite Training: Train at the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre with experienced coaches, focusing on technical and tactical skills.
- BUCS Exposure: Compete in the BUCS women’s football league, attracting scouts from Women’s Super League and Championship clubs.
- Academic Support: Receive guidance to balance degree studies with training and competition schedules.
- Career Pathways: Build skills and connections for careers in coaching, sports science, or professional football.
Success Story: A UCLan Scholarship Recipient
Meet Sophie, a 2024 UCLan Women’s Soccer Scholarship recipient studying psychology. As a county-level midfielder, Sophie used the £4,000 Elite Sports Performance award to cover accommodation and training costs.
Her BUCS performances led to a trial with a Women’s Championship club, and she credits UCLan’s coaching and support for her growth as a player and student. Sophie plans to pursue a career in sports psychology, leveraging her scholarship experience.
FAQs About the UCLan Women’s Soccer Scholarship 2026
Who is eligible for the UCLan Women’s Soccer Scholarship 2026?
Female undergraduates at UCLan with county or national football experience are eligible. International students need a UK Student Visa.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship provides £3,000 (Excellence in Sport) or £4,000 (Elite Sports Performance) annually for tuition, training, or living costs.
When is the application deadline for 2026?
Applications typically open in January and close in March 2026. Check the UCLan website for exact dates.
Can international students apply for the scholarship?
Yes, international students with a valid UK Student Visa or eligibility to apply for one can participate.
What are the benefits of the scholarship?
The scholarship offers financial support, professional coaching, BUCS competition, and academic flexibility for female footballers.
Start Your Soccer Journey with UCLan
The UCLan Women’s Soccer Scholarship 2026 is a game-playing opportunity for female undergraduates to excel in soccer and academics.
With £3,000–£4,000 in annual funding, elite coaching, and BUCS competition, this scholarship sets you on the path to success. Ready to apply? Visit the UCLan website to start your application for 2026!
Apply now for the UCLan Women’s Soccer Scholarship and score your future in football! Explore more at our sports scholarship resources.