After more than 340 professional league games in English football, two international caps, and an MSc in Finance from Leeds Beckett University, Enoch Showunmi and his company Global Soccer Pathways are helping to develop the careers of aspiring footballers.

The new partnership between Leeds Beckett University, Leeds United Football Club, and Global Soccer Pathways will see talented young athletes coming to Leeds to develop their playing potential and receive a first class education. From personal experience, Enoch know how important both aspects are.

He explains: “Developing young people athletically and academically is incredibly important, as it gives the student athlete more confidence both on and off the field An education gives the athlete something to fall back on if their ambition of becoming professional doesn’t work out. Given that football is a highly competitive environment many players unfortunately do not make the grade, and for those that do it is a short career and it is useful to have something for once their career is over. My story is testament to that, as I am now using my degree in my career after football. Having that confidence and qualifications allows the player to enjoy the journey they take.”

Enoch’s journey to running Global Soccer Pathways started while he was playing for Leeds United, having joined them at the start of the 2008/09 season. He says: “I chose to study the course at Leeds Beckett because it was very convenient for me while I was playing for Leeds United - as well as being the course that I wanted to study preparing me for life after football. I remember during my induction the course director let everyone know that I was a Leeds United player – it’s safe to say that I got quite a bit of attention through the remainder of my time on the course.”

Since retiring from professional football in 2016, Enoch has moved into working on player development pathways with his former club. He explains: “I worked together with Leeds United and in 2019 created a partnership in enabling 16 to 18 year olds to study and play college level football in the United States. From that partnership I realised that there were already connections between the club and the university, and the partnership developed from that.”

Enoch formed Global Soccer Pathways in January 2020 to facilitate the partnership, but hopes that it will grow from there. “Global Soccer Pathways is a global resource for football players. The aim of the company is to create partnerships that will provide opportunities for aspiring professional footballers to combine a quality education alongside elite training. Since March we have all been working together to put the pieces in place to make it happen.”

Founding a company that works in partnership with one of the biggest names in English football and a university renowned for sport, is no mean feat. However Enoch believes his time at Leeds Beckett has prepared him perfectly for this. “The course at Leeds Beckett gave me the tools and confidence to approach life after football and opportunities that presented themselves to me, and a better way to manage money so that I could be in a position to follow my passions and support, develop and mentor the next generation of soccer players.

“It feels a little bit surreal to be back in Leeds and working with Leeds Beckett. Undertaking my MSc in Finance at Leeds Beckett was one of the most challenging and rewarding times in my life. Unfortunately I always felt like my time in Leeds in general was cut short as a footballer’s career often means moving across the country for playing reasons, so it is great to be back involved with Leeds. There is a big connection to Leeds and it has been a big part of my life, and a big part of how I was able to navigate my career and transition to life off the pitch.”

Although the partnership has only just launched, Enoch is already looking ahead to what he hopes they can achieve in the future. “The partnership will help to bring more students from the UK and around the world to Leeds to develop all aspects of their potential, and help to build the reputation of Leeds United and Leeds Beckett for sport around the world.

“I can only see the program getting bigger and bigger. The development of the players will create multiple pathways for these students as they graduate. I hope that the program attracts attention and Global Soccer Pathways can work with more clubs and universities.

“Given the situation in the world right now it is fair to say that I am being cautious with ambitions, but I am confident in what we are doing. We are going to look at what we can deliver in this first year but moving forward we will look to keep improving the program and make a difference to more and more young people.”

Despite his success in his post football career, Enoch’s proudest achievement is one on the pitch – but he explained how this influences his career today. “My greatest and proudest achievement has been having the opportunity to represent Nigeria and play for the national team. I went from playing 11th tier football in London to representing the full national team in under a year. That experience alone gave me the tools to believe that nothing is impossible, and I have carried this into running Global Soccer Pathways today.

“I think that today’s students should aim to go into their education and careers with the same belief. My advice to current students and those looking to study at Leeds Beckett is to – as with any new experience – really try to immerse yourself in what you are doing, and use it as a way to build and expose yourself to all of the different facets and opportunities that university will throw at you. It will build your character, your skills, your connection, and help you to build your future career.”