Farmer Focus: Farming meets football at son’s university
Mark Stubbs © Phil Weedon On Sunday 15 September, I relinquished a semi-harvesting day (as well as accepting the loss of my combine and main tractor-driver) to embark on the 170 mile, three-and-a-half hour journey to deliver my son to Hartpury University, Gloucestershire.
The university was his top choice, as he could study Bsc Agriculture, but also continue to play football at a high level as the university is renowned for its sport.
My son recently completed a two-year football scholarship with the Boston United youth team alongside his educational studies, as well as playing Step 6 football with Louth Town.
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The university offers the same level of football as Boston United and their first team play Step 5 football. This year they have teamed up and forged links with the Premier League.
So my son should, hopefully, have plenty of opportunity to further his football career as well as study agriculture.
Although he is well-versed in arable farming, he will now have the opportunity to develop and build on his learning and experience.
The course covers all sectors of the industry, so he will be able to further his knowledge on livestock and soil science, all the while exploring the technological advances which are evolving in the agricultural sector.
Back in my day, I went to agricultural college at Caythorpe and Riseholme in Lincolnshire – not too far from the home farm.
Studying was much more practical back then, which I believe is not the case any more at colleges and universities as a result of health and safety. I’ve even heard Hartpury has a simulator for tractor driving.
The social life in my college days was very good, with plenty of drinking. Speaking to my son this week, he seems to have settled in well and is meeting lots of new friends.
His comments were that the student bar drinks were very cheap.
