Football-mad teenager Edi dreams of realising his ambition with MK Dons Community Trust’s support

A football fanatic who moved to the UK from Romania with dreams of one day playing professionally hopes to achieve his ambition with help from a Milton Keynes charity.

Edi Petrescu left secondary school not knowing how to progress his enthusiasm for football and coaching, despite having absolute clarity on what he wished to do for a career.

The 18-year-old was advised to meet the team behind MK Dons Community Trust – the football club’s official charity – who immediately enrolled Edi onto its post-16 education programme.

He achieved a Level 3 BTEC in Sports Coaching and Development and now rubs shoulders with some of the country’s most talented young players after being accepted onto Varsity Nine’s international football programme.

Edi’s training at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre is combined with full-time education at the Trust where he now studies for a foundation degree in Community Football Coaching and Development.

Combining the two means the all-action midfielder can pursue his dream of securing a professional contract while having a back-up plan in case a different career pathway is required.

“I knew I wanted to be a professional footballer, but I had no idea how to take that dream forwards after school,” said Edi.

“My parents and I met Lee (Grice, Education Manager at MK Dons Community Trust) and it snowballed from there.

“By combining full-time training, matches and education through the Trust’s post-16 programme, I’ve been able to play to my best ability on the pitch while working towards a qualification which can secure my future off it.

“It’s a great initiative, and I would encourage anyone leaving school in a similar position to me to consider it.”

According to The Athletic, only one in every 200 youth academy players in England will sign a professional contract.

It’s a statistic Edi is all too familiar with.

But he is confident the opportunities presented to him by the Trust will stand him in good stead for the future.

“I’ve refereed matches, helped coach at kids football tournaments and supported with event delivery,” said Edi.

“All of those experiences I feel are vital to me.

“My goal is to play professional football, but I’m realistic how challenging that can be.

“The Trust has supported me every step of the way and inspired me to make decisions on my next move independently while offering great advice and providing further education routes.

“I didn’t plan on starting a foundation degree when first meeting the Trust in 2024. But Lee and Matt (Broughton, Schools Manager at MK Dons Community Trust) have guided me every step of the way which I’m very grateful for.”

Based in the city, the Trust’s post-16 programme is open to male and female students with aspirations to fulfil a career in sport.

It combines 13 hours of classroom education each week, with units including coaching, sports development, anatomy and physiology and health and wellbeing. Fixtures are scheduled each week too, with students representing the MK Dons badge in the CEFA League.

Lee Grice added: “Our priority is to develop well-rounded individuals who at the point of leaving our programmes are ready to begin a career in sport.

“We’re learner-focused, pragmatic and hands-on so we can help each student to realise their best potential.

“Edi is a shining example of what is possible and we are committed to helping him realise his dream while establishing the foundations for a successful career in sport too.”

Further information about the Trust’s post-16 education programme is available online via www.mkdonsset.com/post-16-education.