First year BA (Hons) Physical Education student Joel Torrance has signed for Salford City FC, pursuing his professional playing career alongside studying for his degree. Owned by Manchester United’s famous Class of ’92 – including the likes of David Beckham – the club will strive to continue what UCFB’s elite Manchester Academy have started with Joel. Here, he tells us about signing for the club and his time at UCFB so far…

Congratulations on signing a professional contract with Salford City! How does it feel?

It feels amazing. I’ve always dreamt of being a professional footballer, so to now be experiencing is just unreal.

What are you most looking forward to about playing with the team at Salford?

To keep on improving, and the opportunities which will come with being in the squad as the club is very well known because of the owners.

How has your BA (Hons) Physical Education programme helped you in achieving this goal?

I’ve been able to train with the UCFB team three times a week which has been almost like a professional environment which has helped me improve.

How have you found balancing your studies with training and matches?

I had one or two days off [playing] during the week where I made sure I did my UCFB work so I was able to continue with my football.

In what ways has UCFB’s elite football academy helped you progress from non-league to professional football?

They have a very good programme set up where they are training three days a week and then playing against good opposition. The standard of players in the squad is also very high, so you are always pushing yourself to make the squad which you take into any club you go to trials for.

How have you found your time at UCFB so far?

I’ve enjoyed my first year at UCFB and I found that everyone was very welcoming. It was challenging but I managed to get through it and I’m happy I came here.

What advice do you have for any aspiring footballers looking to study at UCFB?

Make sure you put the effort in and to keep pushing yourself. Look for any way you can improve your game – you’ve still got time to make it.