As high school student-athletes continue to make their post-graduation commitments, a recent announcement in Plymouth reflects just how many pathways this time of year can take.
Robbinsdale Armstrong senior and Falcons boys soccer captain Nathan Ore has announced his intention to attend college at Sunderland University in England and play soccer with the professional lower league club South Shields FC.
Ore was a key leader for Armstrong this season, providing quality in midfield and winger positions, as well as one of the team’s designated penalty takers. The Falcons reached the section semifinals last season and finished with a 6-7-4 overall record.
The University of Sunderland is a public research university in the city of Sunderland in Northeast England. The university has multiple campuses and about 27,000 students to its name.
South Shields was founded in 1888 and is based in the town of South Shields in the Tyne and Wear region of England. The club currently play in the sixth tier National League North in the English football pyramid. Halfway through the 2023/24 season, South Shields are ninth of 24 teams in that league.
Because of the promotion and relegation system used by most soccer leagues, South Shields are just two promotions by merit away from the top four fully-professional leagues in England, which are topped by the Premier League.
The move was made in part with the help of Playing Abroad, an organization that provides pathways for American athletes to pursue education and playing opportunities in other countries. Former Falcons soccer player Micah Miller also used the program to attend college and play soccer in Ireland.
In a statement to the Sun Post and Sun Sailor, Nathan Ore spoke about how he became involved with PlayAbroad and what interested him in the organization’s work.
“I became aware of this opportunity and the PlayAbroad organization through a close friend who shared their positive experiences and growth from participating. ... Eventually, I had the opportunity to speak with CEO Logan Meadows, who was not only incredibly helpful but also very welcoming and supportive throughout the process of exploring and pursuing these opportunities.”
Ore also discussed what attracted him to the opportunity to attend university and play soccer on England, noting the unique environment he will have to develop as a student and a player.
“Choosing England for education and soccer was attractive to me because it has given me the opportunity to be able to pursue my passion of playing at the highest level while also gaining valuable networking opportunities studying at the prestigious Sunderland University. ... Committing my future to a historic football club like South Shields feels incredibly exciting. The opportunity to join such an intense professional environment is a dream come true. Throughout the recruiting process, the club has shown immense warmth, welcoming me with open arms and demonstrating genuine care. I’m extremely blessed to have this opportunity and can’t wait to start.”
The Armstrong senior and former varsity captain also noted his excitement to represent Minnesota’s growing soccer footprint through his future playing opportunities in England.
“I feel incredibly honored and blessed to have the opportunity to represent my Minnesota soccer roots abroad,” he said. “Since I could walk, soccer has been a passion ingrained in me by my dad. Growing up, I knew Minnesota wasn’t a hub for soccer, but I also knew it was home to many talented players looking for an opportunity. I’m thrilled to break barriers and show that Minnesota has immense soccer talent. It’s a fulfilling feeling knowing there’s an outlet to achieve more.”
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