Aaron Steavens was the first student to be awarded in 2023-24, he studies Sport & Exercise Science at the University alongside playing as a goalkeeper and growing his successful business ASGK coaching.
He said: “It’s been massive in terms of my sporting ambitions.
"I’m currently playing in Baller League (on Sky Sports) and being able to cover transport and accommodation every week travelling to London has been really important on the sporting side.
“On the University side the discount on tuition is going to be a big help when paying it off.”
The scholarship is designed to help a talented student athlete fulfil their potential whilst studying at the University and has been funded and supported by Sunderland-born Mike Clasper CBE in memory of his father, Douglas. Mike is Chairman of SSP Group PLC, a global travel food and beverage company, and Chairman of BIOSS, a global consultancy company.
Douglas Clasper Elite athletes will receive £2,000 each year of study, a tuition fee discount of 20%, a 20% discount on university-managed accommodation, and specialist support, including mentoring, sport massage and physiotherapy, gym access, strength and conditioning, nutritional advice and lifestyle management.
Aaron, from East Boldon, is a talented goalkeeper, and runs popular online coaching sessions as well as in person, with over 500,000+ followers across social media platforms including TikTok and Instagram. He has played semi-professional football since the age of 16, starting off at Chester le Street Town, then South Shields, Seaham Red Star, Guisborough Town, West Auckland Town, Whickham and North Shields. Through his own business support by the scholarship he now trains all ages and abilities from grassroots to professionals.
“The opportunity that the Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship offered something I just couldn’t turn down,” says Aaron. “I’ve been in goal since I was eleven years old, and my dream is to be coach for a team like Real Madrid or Bayern. This really feels like I am one step closer to that dream.”
Mike Clasper said: “I am delighted that Aaron is the first Douglas Clasper Elite Athlete Scholar. My father would have been delighted on so many counts.
“My father loved football, admired the sort of entrepreneurship flair that Aaron shows and, of course Aaron is from my father’s beloved north-east. It is also exciting to see that our Sports Opportunity Fund is already helping a wider group of students at the University of Sunderland.”
Aaron added: “The Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship will be amazing for my studies. I can start investing more into my education to help with my long-term career goal of being a professional football coach.”