UDA Students Mikkiel Graham and Jaxson Hundt Selected for English Universities National Squad

UDA is incredibly proud to celebrate a major achievement for two of our University of Gloucestershire students, Mikkiel Graham and Jaxson Hundt, who have been selected for the English Universities National Squad.

The journey began back in November, when University of Gloucestershire Men’s 1st Team Coach Ivor Gumm was asked to nominate four players for initial regional trials, with the opportunity to earn a place in the English Universities South Squad. It was no easy task, especially given the strength of the UoG squad following a record-breaking treble-winning season.

Among the four players selected were two UDA students, Mikkiel Graham and Jaxson Hundt. Both attended the first trial in Bath in December and were successful in progressing to the next stage.

In the New Year, Mikkiel and Jaxson were invited to a further trial in Chichester, where they once again impressed and earned selection to represent the South Squad. As part of the squad, they took part in a short training weekend in Jersey, which included a narrow defeat against Step 4 side Jersey Bulls.

UDA Director Steve Lilley travelled to Jersey to watch both players in action and was full of praise for their performances.

“As expected, both of the lads conducted themselves professionally throughout the weekend and proved on the pitch that they are more than capable of playing at the level required,” said Steve.

The next step was the South v North Challenge Cup in May at St George’s Park, The FA’s national football centre. With a place in the National Squad on the line, the standard was extremely high, featuring players competing at strong levels within the English football pyramid and the BUCS Premier Division.

Once again, Mikkiel and Jaxson rose to the challenge.

At the beginning of June, both players were informed they had been selected for the English Universities National Squad — marking the first time since 2001 that the University of Gloucestershire has had a footballer represent their country.

Mikkiel and Jaxson have both been part of the UDA programme for three years and have recently graduated after studying Sport Business Management. Jaxson will remain with UDA next year as he begins a Master’s in Sports Performance Analysis, while Mikkiel is currently pursuing opportunities to build a career as a full-time footballer.

Both players have been outstanding representatives of UDA and the University of Gloucestershire, serving as fantastic role models for future students coming through the programme. Their achievement is significant and should not be underestimated.
Ivor Gumm, University of Gloucestershire Men’s 1st Team Coach, shared his pride in their success:

“The introduction of UDA students into our Men’s 1st Team has been a huge success, with up to eight players representing the team at some point across what has been an incredible season. Most notably, Mik and Jax have gone on to represent the English Universities National Team — a truly wonderful achievement.”

Both players are now preparing for the upcoming training camp at Nottingham University. Jaxson has recently returned from UDA’s end-of-season tour to sunny Spain, while Mikkiel has been attending a training camp with Bristol-based Back2Action alongside other professional and semi-professional players.
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Everyone at UDA is immensely proud of Mikkiel and Jaxson. Congratulations, lads — an incredible and well-deserved achievement.