Bend it like Charles (2023 cohort)

Planning on playing football at a university in USA? Then Charles Heth (Cohort 2023) has some tips for you!

Charles has always been passionate about football. After graduating from Tanglin with a football scholarship, he is now attending Springfield College where he majors in Physiotherapy – combining his love for football with a commitment to helping athletes perform at their best. Now that he is doing what he loves, he wants to give back to the school community by sharing how Tanglin has helped him achieve his dreams. But first, let’s start from the beginning!

What’s your Tanglin story?

My Tanglin story began at the beginning of Year 12. I was born and raised in Singapore until the age of 14 when I went off to attend boarding school in Surrey, England to pursue football as well as an education. I spent two years at Tanglin, which turned out to be the two best years of my life.

Why football?

Football was the only sport I grew up playing. It brought me joy and I noticed that I had a talent for it around the age of nine.

What was your university application process like? What are the strengths that you think got you the offer?

My application was somewhat complicated. Attending an American university as an out of state student came with significant costs. But playing football gave me an edge, allowing me to apply for a football scholarship. My international background, along with strong A levels and GCSE results, definitely helped me stand out among the average American students.

How did Tanglin help with the process?

My passion for football was nurtured by the supportive environment. Ms Zoe Williams, the Head of University Counselling, guided me through the scholarship application process, while having an agent proved invaluable in connecting me with college coaches. Playing on the Tanglin football team provided me with great experience and exposure, which ultimately helped me secure a football scholarship. I also used a lot of footage from my Tanglin games (especially SEASAC) in my CV to receive more visibility and strengthen my application.

Any advice for your peers?

I would definitely recommend creating a highlight tape that showcases your full potential. Consider hiring an agent too, as they have strong connections with college coaches and can help you get the right exposure. One of the best aspects of being a student athlete in USA is the range of competition levels. There are Divisions 1, 2, and 3, with Division 1 being the most competitive while Division 3 offers a less intense level of play.

What are your plans after university?

I plan on becoming a physiotherapist after university. As I mentioned earlier, my love for football inspired me to study physiotherapy and I hope to use the knowledge to become a physiotherapist and help others in future.

Any thoughts on Tanglin’s centenary?

I would just like to thank Tanglin for the incredible education I received there as well as the friendships I made for life. I hope I am able to come into Tanglin and give a more in-depth talk on what it is like being a student athlete.