Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce that Under 19 Men’s midfielder Sean McAteer has agreed a long-term deal at Sligo Rovers through a scholarship with Atlantic Technological University.
Each year, the University offers a limited number of Sligo Rovers players a fee-waiver scholarship which is matched by the club with support to the player throughout the seasons they are studying.
Sean is now a Sligo Rovers player for the last four years and will continue to develop with the club and University for the coming three years.
ATU is one of Ireland’s largest multi-campus universities with campuses across Sligo, Donegal, Mayo and Galway. The new university is built on the foundations of over 50 years in higher education and offers academic excellence and the opportunity to participate in sport at a national level.
Bit O’ Red Head of Academy Conor O’Grady:
‘’Sean has been a great ambassador for the club since his time here. He joined us at the start of our Under 15 campaign four years ago and has developed himself on and off the pitch and has a bright future.
‘’Sean has been an important part of our Under 19 Men’s team this season and the lads now have a Cup Semi-Final to look forward to at the start of October, one which Sean will be a key part of.
‘’The link up between the club and the University is a massive one for us all and one which will keep developing in years to come to help our young players’’.
McAteer will now be part of ATU Sligo’s Senior Men’s team who will compete in the Third Level Colleges League and Cups throughout the academic year, which starts in the coming weeks.
Dr Chris O’Malley, Vice President, Research, Innovation & Engagement at ATU Sligo commented:
“Atlantic TU is delighted to support players like Sean in achieving his goals in sport and academically. We believe in the investment and development of scholarship programmes that allow talented players to achieve a University degree while pursuing sport at an elite level. We value our partnership with Sligo Rovers in providing these opportunities for our students. We wish Sean every success with his studies and on the pitch.”
FAI football facilitator at ATU Sligo, Colm Jinks, is delighted with the new addition to the Men’s Soccer Club at the University:
‘’The partnership works for everyone – It is great to have a player of Sean’s ability here with us, not only at ATU Sligo but to continue their development at Sligo Rovers.
Sean is a local lad who has played for Sligo/Leitrim, Merville United, Summerhill College, Sligo Rovers and now joins us here at Atlantic Technological University Sligo to become part of our Senior Men’s squad ahead of the new campaign. Sean is a welcome addition to our squad’’.