'I came back with a degree': Alessia Russo proof you can become a professional footballer without sacrificing your education

Alessia Russo’s story should be of interest to every parent with a daughter showing promise as a footballer. Not because she has become an England international, but because she has shown there are different ways to break into the professional game which improve your education rather than sacrifice it.

Russo is one of England’s best young prospects, having represented her country at every level since she was just 14. Yet she has also studied Sports Business at the University of North Carolina while starring for its prestigious Tar Heels soccer team,  .

Still just 21, Russo has returned home because of the problems playing in America caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, continuing her studies remotely while also playing in the top flight of the Women’s Super League with Manchester United.

Her progress has not stalled. Having earned her senior England debut against Spain back in March, the forward was selected by manager Phil Neville for an England training camp at St George’s Park this week.

A professional career has been a long-held ambition for the forward, and with the Women’s Super League growing in both popularity and quality there are many opportunities for girls to be identified at a young enough age so that they can be nurtured and developed into players good enough to earn a living from the game.

It is remarkable to think that only a decade ago those opportunities were not there. Paths were carved by pioneers and trailblazers but are now well trodden and Russo is just one of a number of bright young talents coming through the system.

Russo, though, made a different sort of choice. Wanting to move into Higher Education, she has spent the last three years developing in the American collegiate system, the best breeding ground in women’s football for decades and a system that has fuelled the USA’s dominance of the sport.

Having come through Charlton’s centre of excellence, Russo, who is from Maidstone in Kent, could have turned professional years ago, as many of her age group have done. But she is proof there are alternatives which may sit more comfortably with parents worried about their long-term career prospects.

“America was great, I really enjoyed it,” said Russo, who grew up as a Manchester United fan and signed for Casey Stoney’s side earlier this month following the difficult decision to return to the UK because of the uncertain Covid situation. “I learnt a lot and a completely different style of football.

“That will help a lot as I come back into England. The American game is very physical and fast. The focus on the athleticism of the players. So, I think it was great to see that side of it and work on that side [of my game]. I’m really excited to now be back in the WSL.”

Having studied in the US, Russo could have gone through the draft system and played for a professional soccer team in the States, but was convinced the WSL, which has seen some of the best players in the world arrive in recent years, including a clutch of USA internationals, was the place to be.

But as England’s reputation soars on the global stage, more US universities are likely to take a keener interest in emerging players from these shores, increasing the scholarship opportunities. In America, studies are built around the athletic schedule which allows them to train every day as well as play matches.

“The experiences I had in America were unbelievable,” she explained. “And I came back with a degree so I would never go back on that.

“I think it was really valuable and the right decision at that time in my career. But, yeah, the WSL is really exciting and young players coming up in their clubs will be tempted to stay [in England].

“Either way, it is an individual decision on whether you go to America or stay in the WSL. Right now, if they are your two options, you’ve got some great options on your hands. I don’t regret going to America, I loved it, but the WSL right now is a great place to be.”

There is also a view that Russo's football education is more rounded by playing against the best young Americans. Having earned plenty of accolades in the college game, she would also not be short of offers if she did decide to go back to America to play for a club.

“Both countries can learn from each other,” she added. “We can take into consideration how they prepare physically but the technical and tactical side of the English game is unmatched.

“I think both leagues right now are exceptional and produce some of the top talent in the world. They are definitely both exciting but it’s good to experience both.”

And if you are a parent who is worried football comes at the expense of a full education, do not be. The opportunities for young British players have never been better, or more varied. Russo is proof of that.