George Friend Scholarship

About this scholarship

You may be eligible for £4,500 if you study with us and enrol on our Sports Performance Pathway.

This scholarship may be relevant if you face financial difficulty during your studies at Teesside University. You are considered based on the financial circumstances demonstrated in your application statement and other applicant data available to the University.

Eligibility

To apply for one of these scholarships you must:

• be a new entrant on the first year of a full-time three-year undergraduate degree course, not a foundation year
• successfully secure a place on the Sports Performance Pathway at the University
• outline your financial circumstances and how the scholarship funds will enable your studies.
• One scholarship is open to female applicants and one to male applicants

How to apply

Awards are made at the discretion of the Scholarships Panel, who may consider your financial background, prior academic performance, as well as other information provided through your application and at any subsequent interview.

The closing date for applications is 22 October 2025.

Apply now

About the donor

George Friend, a retired English professional footballer, started his career at Exeter City before moving on to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Doncaster Rovers, Middlesbrough and Birmingham City. He captained Middlesbrough for the first time in 2015, quickly becoming a fan favourite and a popular player on and off the pitch for his charity work and engagement with the local community. He is now a Director of Football at Bristol Rovers and still visits Teesside often, retaining a strong affection for the region. Having a degree himself, he understands and values the benefit of education alongside a sporting career, and feels passionately about giving his time and support to Teesside University’s Sports Performance Pathway, and supporting students to develop their footballing skills during their studies.