University of East London student athletes look to make it to FA Cup Third Round
High performance scholar Saidou Khan combines career with studies
University of East London
high performance scholar Saidou Khan, who signed his first professional
contract with Kent-based football team Maidstone United recently, will be
looking for a win this weekend as his team play their second round Emirates FA
Cup match on Sunday (1 December) against Blackpool.
Whilst playing full-time professional football with
Maidstone United, the talented youngster is also finishing off his
undergraduate degree in sport, physical education and development at the
University of East London. At the age of 23, Saidou has shown that as well as
playing as a professional footballer, he can study for a degree at the same
time.
Saidou is joined in the Maidstone squad by fellow University
of East London students Ibby Akanbi, Clovis Kamdjo and head of football, Ryan
Gordon.
Gambian national Saidou, who lives
in Clapham, joined Maidstone United after a recommendation from Ryan Gordon,
who is both part of the coaching team at Maidstone and also Head of Football at
the University of East London.
“Ryan has been a crucial part of my journey so far and I
can’t thank him enough,” Saidou said. “He supports me at University with my
work, making sure that I have everything I need to succeed.
“Being able to play professional football has always been a
goal of mine. I was studying at the University of East London when I got the
opportunity to sign for Maidstone United. Having the chance to play for
Maidstone and complete my degree is really important.”
Matthew Tansley,
Director of Sport at the University of East London, said, “We are proud to see
Saidou doing so well and combining his studies with a football career. Our role
here at the University is to ensure that our students have the full advantage
of our degree courses. We are here to support them with their education and if
they have the additional benefit of being able to combine their studies with
excelling in their sport, that is an added bonus and proves that our
talented students can mix a professional sporting career with continuing their education.
We wish Saidou all the best in the FA Cup as well as in his University
studies.”
As well as studying at the University of East London, Saidou
is part of its high-performance programme. Being part of the programme at the
University and playing full time professional football is something he says
will help him get to where he wants to be.
As part of the programme, Saidou has access to comprehensive
coaching support through team sessions and individual video analysis reviews,
unlimited physiotherapy and sports massage, UKSCA-accredited strength and
conditioning with private access to the scholar gym, active recovery and yoga, a
free gym membership at SportsDock and lifestyle and performance workshops. As a
Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) dual-career accredited site, the University
can offer tailored support so that talented individuals can play professional
sport and get a degree-level education.
“Having access to great facilities and a comprehensive
programme means that I can get the best out of myself. I have to make sure that
I am always the best version of myself and with access to the strength and
conditioning team, sports psychology and the lifestyle workshops I am always
both mentally and physically ready,” Saidou added.
Maidstone United, nicknamed the Stones, have gone from
strength to strength this season earning themselves well deserved recognition
in the Emirates FA Cup after beating Torquay United, who play one league above
in the National League, 1–0. The Stones will be travelling to Blackpool on
Sunday 1 December to play in the second round, hoping for that all-important
win and a place in the third round.
Having joined from Tooting and Mitcham in the summer of
2019, the side currently sit in ninth position in the Vanarama National League
South.
“It will be tough but I’m really looking forward
to it,” Saidou said. “Every game I give 100 per cent, and this is no different.
I’m feeling confident and the team spirit is really high right now, so that
will definitely help.”