Sporting spotlight: Adrian Owers

Published: 2 August 2024 at 12:16

Adrian Owers standing on a football pitch in England kit

ARU Events and Operations Co-ordinator Adrian Owers was recently selected to play football for England over 55s VS Club Deportivo Veterans at St. George's Park.

Name: Adrian Owers

Staff, student, or alumni: Staff

Job title: Events and Operations Co-ordinator, Arise Innovation Hubs

Faculty/Service: Research, Innovation and Development Office (RIDO)

Tell us about your sporting achievement or upcoming challenge.

Black and white photo of two men playing football on a pitch, with a third man visible behind them

I played professional football for Brighton, Southend, Gillingham, and Maidstone Utd, and-semi professional teams Dagenham & Redbridge, Chelmsford City, Braintree, Maldon Town, AFC Sudbury & Cornard Utd. I currently play Vets football for Chapel United Over 55s in the Essex Veterans League on a Saturday.

A very proud moment for me recently was being selected to play football for England Over 55s vs Club Deportivo Veterans at St. George's Park, home of English football. We won 2-0. I have since played in other games for them.

They also run teams for Over 60s (which hopefully will be me next year), Over 65s, and Over 70s!

How did it go?

It went very well. It was quite emotional whilst the National Anthem was playing before the game started. A moment I will never forget.

What would you say to someone to inspire them to follow in your sporty footsteps?

Follow your dreams. I always wanted to be a professional footballer and I am proud to say that I achieved this through dedication and hard work. Being selected to play for England is the icing on the cake at my age of 59!



ARU recently became the Official Education Partner of Cambridge United Football Club. Find out more about the new partnership.