Adrian Trott On Scottish Football Journey
Bermuda Under-23 national team footballer Adrian Trott is continuing to pursue his football ambitions while studying for a master’s degree at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.
The 22-year-old moved to Scotland in June after spending almost a decade in the United States education system, attending South Kent School in Connecticut and Amherst College in Massachusetts.
Alongside playing for Heriot-Watt’s first team in the East of Scotland League First Division – the sixth level of the Scottish pyramid – Trott is studying for a master’s degree in business psychology with human resources management.
The university has provided a pathway into the professional game for several players in recent years, with former Heriot-Watt players Barney Steward, now at West Bromwich Albion, Anton Dowds, of Raith Rovers, and Aidan Quinn, of Montrose, going on to play professionally.
A connection with Libero Pathways, which links student-athletes with Scottish universities to pursue undergraduate or master’s degrees while accessing football opportunities, led Trott to Heriot-Watt.
“I was looking for an option where I could continue playing football [after leaving Amherst] and stumbled upon Libero Pathways, which has served as a gateway into the next chapter of my life in Scotland,” Trott told Bernews.
“I noticed Libero Pathways followed me on Instagram, and a former team-mate also followed them.
“I did some research and met with the guys. They said they feel there’s a large talent pool in the US that can come to the UK and continue playing.
“I’ve played a few games already [for Heriot-Watt] – it’s been pretty busy on the football side.”
For Trott, the move provides an opportunity to develop as a player while building connections that could help him progress.
“Scotland has a smaller nucleus in the professional game than England,” he said.
“I hope to network and make the right connections through my coach at Heriot-Watt [Patrick Cregg] and Libero Pathways, continue to work hard, and reach as high a level as possible.”
The move to Scotland represents the latest stage of a football journey that began on the island, where Trott played for Young Men’s Social Club, BAA Wanderers, Robin Hood and, most recently, Dandy Town.
He also spent about four years in Kenny Thompson’s KTech programme.
“My mom was always trying to keep me out of trouble and started me at Young Men’s Social Club – an afterschool programme,” said Trott, who helped Bermuda Under-23 claim the gold medal at the Island Games in Orkney, Scotland, last summer.
The left-back’s parents have also encouraged him to consider life beyond football while pursuing his sporting ambitions.
“I felt this was a good segue for me,” he added. “If things don’t work out in football, I can look at work opportunities here or back in Bermuda.
“Whatever happens, I’ll have elevated myself as a person.
“I’ve had a lot of help and guidance from my family, all my coaches in Bermuda and the US.
“I’m thankful I’m still able to pursue my dreams of playing pro or semi-pro.”
Harvey Moyes, co-founder and director of athlete development at Libero Pathways, said the company views Scotland as an increasingly attractive destination for US college graduates looking to continue their football careers.
“We’re a relatively new business – just over a year old,” he said.
“We typically help college graduates from the US come over to Scotland and continue their studies and keep playing football.
“Worst-case scenario, they have an amazing year and have a master’s degree to show for it.
“However, we’re looking to push a few players through to the professional game.”
