Success stories

Lochlan Kennedy 

Bachelor of Mathematics & Finance (Honours) | 2022 and 2023 GFP 

In 2022, Lochie enrolled in the Global Football Program as a first-year student at UOW. He began his football journey as a player for the Illawarra Premier League's South Coast United Reserves. Lochie soon progressed to become a regular starter on the first-grade team thanks to his enthusiasm for the game and ability to learn. 

Following a successful 2022 season for both the club and the programme, Lochie had trials in Spain as well as the opportunity to train at the Tottenham Hotspur Training facility on the current UK Tour. From his time on the program as well as his club experiences, Lochie has now been signed by the Wollongong Wolves U20 (NPL1) team for the upcoming 2023 season. 

"I consider the UOW Tottenham Hotspur Global Football Program the best footballing experience I've ever had as a player. I'm pleased that I can learn about different aspects of football which I can use to become a better player overall. The training sessions are very effective and thought provoking, and I've already seen my game improve significantly.” 

Diego Castro-Eastman 

Bachelor of Business | 2020 GFP 

Diego joined the Global Football Program in 2020 as a first-year student at UOW. When he joined the program, Diego was playing his club football in the Macarthur competition.

With regular participation in the programs numerous activities, Diego quickly excelled and was rewarded with a playing opportunity with the South Coast Flame (NPL4). After the completion of the program in 2020, Diego continued his excellent form and signed a contract with NPL2 club SD Raiders for the 2021 NPL season.

“I think the UOW Tottenham Hotspur Global Football Program is probably the best footballing experience I've had as a player and I’m glad that I can learn different aspects of football I can use to become a better overall player, the training sessions are very efficient and enjoyable. I’ve noticed I’ve improved as a player.”

Chantelle Symes 

Bachelor of Psychological Science | 2020 and 2021 GFP

Chantelle was a member of the Global Football Program in 2020 and 2021, working closely with Petr Sestak and the Tottenham Hotspur coaches to improve her overall game with the aspiration of becoming a full-time professional goalkeeper.

Chantelle progressed in her club football throughout her time in the program, establishing herself as a prominent goalkeeper for both the Illawarra Stingrays (19/20) and Sydney Olympic (20/21). As a result of all the hard work Chantelle put in over the two years, late in 2021 she was offered a trial with the A-league Women’s team Brisbane Roar with a hope to secure a contract for the 2021/22 season.

‘The UOW Tottenham Hotspur Global Football Program took my training to the next level and helped me dedicate the time to the program, and I can see the improvement in my overall game. The facilities offered to the players at the Wollongong campus are phenomenal and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to further their commitment to the sport.”

David Booth 

Bachelor of Sport | 2021 GFP

David is a goalkeeper who came into the Global Football Program with the ambition of becoming a professional footballer. David earned his spot as the first choice goalkeeper for Woonona FC in the IPL, a team who had won the league the previous year. David worked closely with GFP Goalkeeper Coach Petr Sestak and the Tottenham coaches to enhance his qualities and give himself the best opportunity to fulfil his ambition.

After a year in the Global Football Program and a solid season with Woonona FC, David has taken up a contract with South Australian NPL2 side Eastern United FC. He will be the starting First Grade goalkeeper at the club as well as a goalkeeper coach for the younger age groups.

“I cannot say enough positive things about the UOW Tottenham Hotspur Global Football Program. Everything about it is first-class, from the coaches and staff to the facilities and opportunities provided. I would like to thank the goalkeeper coach Petr Sestak, for his unwavering support and guidance throughout the program. Without his assistance and that of the coaches, I would not have been able to achieve the goals that I have."

Jayden Smileski 

Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation | 2021 GFP

In year two of the Global Football Program, Jayden was a third-year student studying a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Rehabilitation. Throughout his time in the Global Football Program, Jayden was a member of the NPL1 team Wollongong Wolves, where he trained four times a week with his team and four times a week with the GFP.

Jayden's abilities were further enhanced by the addition of the Global Football Program due to the quality and volume of training he was undertaking. In July 2021, Jayden received a sporting scholarship to St Mary's College of California after 6 months in the program. He is now a member of their NCAA Division I Men’s soccer team and continuing his studies at St Mary's College.

"I joined the UOW Tottenham Hotspur Global Football Program because I wanted the opportunity to improve all aspects of my game which would hopefully help me continue to pursue a career in football. Through this program I have been able to get 1 step closer to achieving this goal."