By Bradley Katonia
One of the key lessons learnt by a final year student at De Montfort University has been how to balance his passion for football with his education, which his future may depend on.
Third year English Literature student Reece Stennett hopes to go into journalism or media after graduating but knows he has to get the balance right between his commitment to football and to his studies.
DMU men’s football team warming up ahead of their match against Oxford Brookes.
Stennett, speaking before playing for DMU Men’s football second team against Oxford Brookes on Wednesday, which they lost 5-1, said: “It’s been close to clashing once or twice, but I had to put education first because that’s what I’m here for.
“If I don’t balance it, I’ll enjoy football but not my studies.”
Stennett preparing for kick-off on a cold, rainy afternoon
He added: “My dad got me into football. I never used to watch or play it until Year 7.
“Then I stuck with it. I started playing every weekend, a bit for my school, and I can’t picture myself doing anything else.”
Stennett described the challenge of balancing his academic work with the team’s twice-weekly training sessions on Mondays and Thursdays, plus matches on Wednesdays.“
We train Monday and Thursday, and studies are anything in between,” he said. “Training is a priority, but because I’m a third year I’m pushing for better grades.“
I study when I can, train when I can.“I wake up with football and study.”
The AGE-year-old, however, is confident he will not have trouble striking a balance this year despite the challenges.
“I’m enjoying both football and education,” he said.
“The studies are more enjoyable and engaging, and it makes things easier.”
Although football has not directly clashed with his degree, Stennett said he knows when education must come first.He said a major factor for him prioritising his studies is because of his ambitions for his future profession.
“I’ve had to think about what my parents would think,” he said. “I’m here for uni, I can’t put football over that. I need to come out of here with a job.“
I’m not going to play professional football forever.”
Playing at right-back or centre-back, Stennett likens his style to that of Chelsea full-backs Reece James and Malo Gusto.
He said university life has helped him develop skills beyond the pitch.
“Before I came to uni, I wouldn’t have been able to balance things like this,” he said.
“It’s taught me how to balance fun with what I need to do.”Offering advice to new players joining the university, Stennett encouraged first-years to stay focused.
“Come to training when you can, even if you don’t make the team,” he said.
“But remember why you’re in uni. Education first. Make sure you have a balance.”
Oxford Brookes lining up for a free kick during Wednesday’s match at the DMU pitches.
