Derby Graduate's FA Cup Quest
22 December 2008
Matt Towns (courtesy of Macclesfield Town Football Club).
My degree has given me choice to change direction after I’ve finished playing.
”Matt Towns
University of Derby graduate Matt Towns is in a race against time to be fit for the biggest sporting challenge of his life.
The 26-year-old signed professional terms as a goalkeeper for Football League Two outfit Macclesfield Town in August.
His team are set to face Premiership big boys Everton in an FA Cup third round glamour tie on January 3 – with The Silkmen dreaming of a giant-killing.
But, Matt also a lifelong Macclesfield fan recently broke his wrist in training and faces an anxious Christmas to see if he will be fit and available to be considered for the first team squad.
Matt said: “I know it’s only a couple of weeks until this important match and I really want to be fit and ready to play. Even though I’ve not played for the first team, to make the substitute’s bench would be fantastic."
It’s been a memorable year for Matt who graduated from the University of Derby Buxton with a 2.2 BSc (Hons) degree in Sports Studies and Strength and Conditioning, at an Awards Ceremony on 6 December, at the University’s Devonshire Campus.
Whilst studying, Matt managed and played for the University football team and played in the England university league.
Although Matt is yet to make a first team appearance he has been on the substitutes’ bench for matches against Blackpool and West Ham.
Matt added: “Studying Sports Studies and Strength and Conditioning at the University of Derby Buxton made me realise that I didn’t have to choose between football and education at an early age. My degree has given me choice to change direction after I’ve finished playing.”
Charles Spring, Programme Leader for Sports at the University of Derby Buxton said: “Matt has proved that students can study whilst continuing to pursue their dreams. He was a good student who worked hard and has reaped the rewards.”
Matt’s keen to pass on his football skills and passion to others: he manages an adult Sunday league club, trains local youngsters and is also a fully qualified personal trainer.
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For further media information regarding the University of Derby please contact Alumni Relations Officer Laura Ratcliffe on 01332 591368, 07768 091248 or email l.ratcliffe@derby.ac.uk; or Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942.
For all media calls regarding Macclesfield Town FC contact Patrick Nelson on 01625 264686.
