Hi all, I’m Billy and prior to any donation, I’d like you to read my story below.

Before we delve into my journey in the US, I want to stress that I’m not here to ask for money from people in an already extreme and stressful cost of living crisis, I’m looking for those who might be willing and able to sponsor my journey as I try to progress to the next level in college out here in the USA.

As you may know, the San Francisco area is one of the most expensive places (8th) in the world to live. I came out here under false promises from a school here that had given me ‘scholarship’ and heavily lied in recruitment.(https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2024/02/02/lincoln-university-football-oaklanders-face-disturbing-allegations/72320308007/)

Unfortunately, due to these circumstances, I transferred to Laney College here in Oakland, where scholarships aren’t allowed via the CCCAA that we compete in. This means that school and health insurance for just this year has come at a price of just over $16,000, excluding rent, textbooks and living costs. I’m unable to get help, financial aid, food stamps or student loans due to being foreign and have now spent almost everything I’d raised from the sale of assets and my savings in the UK before I moved, plus the generous help I received from family and friends. I’m currently living mainly on free meals and groceries that are provided by the school, and still owe some of my tuition fees for this semester, the money that I’m looking to raise. I’ve been hired as a math tutor (due to the government allowing international students to only work limited hours on-campus, and not at all off-campus) and I’m picking up small jobs where possible, such as coaching, moving furniture and in bars/restaurants for cash, around my college and football schedule, which brings in enough money to pay my rent and for the public transport required to travel to and from school each day, but doesn’t leave enough to make significant payments toward my college fees.

Thankfully, life on the field has proved much more fruitful, and last season I was able to be recognised as one of the best kickers in JUCO across the United States, having not missed a single kick, and having a Field Goal record that broke through Laney College’s all time record in their illustrious history. This is the main reason for my hunger and desire to push on and try everything possible to continue my career that is showing great promise here in the USA. I’m actively working on transferring to a four-year program at the conclusion of spring ball on scholarship for the next semester where my tuition and rent will be taken care of, leaving me to focus on my education and my sporting career.

Again, I really want to stress my awareness of a severe cost of living crisis and the importance of other causes that require funding too. I feel a sense of embarrassment that I’m in this position where I feel that I have no other options but I’m incredibly grateful of any help towards my goals which will help to clear the costs of this semester that I am currently undertaking.

Love and best wishes,

Billy