Luke McCarvel Graduates from Stirling University

Luke McCarvel is living the dream after graduating from the University of Stirling before embarking on his first season as a professional footballer with Ross County.

The 21-year-old celebrated graduating with a BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science at the University’s summer graduation ceremonies this week.

And after combining studying with being a standout performer for both Kelty and Lowland League side Cumbernauld Colts, he believes that his degree from Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence can give him the edge as he steps into full-time football for the first time.

Luke said: “In school I knew I always wanted to do something to do with sport, and that’s why I decided to come to Stirling. If I wasn’t a player then I wanted to be involved in football, and Stirling was always my first choice with the facilities, reputation and everything that comes with it.

“Juggling studying and part-time training was tough. I think anyone doing a degree and playing professional sport would say that it is a lot to deal with.

But it helped me to take football a bit more seriously, knowing that I would always have a degree to fall back on.

“My course has definitely helped me as a footballer. With the detail that they go into on the course, I learnt a lot. Especially for working in the gym, developing my body and understanding the diet and nutrition you need to be a full-time footballer.”

With his degree in the bag, Luke is now aiming to make the most of his dream move, by firing the Staggies back into the Championship at the first time of asking.

He said: “I think most boys growing up in Scotland dream of becoming full-time footballers, so to finally get there is a dream come true. I’m delighted.

“I’ve been living in Inverness for two weeks now since we started back training. It’s been a big change moving away and living away from home for the first time. But I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s my first time being full-time and even the boys who have been full-time their whole career find pre-season painful.

The intensity has gone up, and training at that level with better players can hopefully only help me become a better player and keep me on the trajectory I’m on.