Lyle Gifford, from Oxford, England, created Scholarship Sports USA in 2014, whilst attending Thomas University, in Thomasville, Georgia. SSUSA, came to fruition after Lyle was left unsatisfied by the recruitment company that had helped place him on a soccer scholarship in the USA. He thought, "How hard can it be to really work for the player?". That has been the mantra since day one, it's all about working for the player. Delivering a service which you can be proud of, leaving clients beyond satisfied. "There was a gap in the market, for a company to come in and truly care and look after a player. Having their best interests at heart", said the founder. 

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Lyle played 3 years at Thomas University in the NAIA, winning numerous awards, and accolades. He played 57 games for the Nighthawks, scoring 17 goals and recording 19 assists from left midfield. Lyle captained the Thomas University soccer team during his senior year. His overall record for Thomas University stands at 44 wins, 6 draws and 11 defeats. One fun fact is that in his 57 games for TU, his team never lost a game by more than one goal.

 

Awards won: Thomas University All-Time XI Selection, NAIA All-American, NAIA All-East Region Team Selection, The Sun Conference Player of the Week, The Sun Conference First Team All-Conference selection, The Sun Conference Tournament Champions 2013, and 2014, NAIA National Tournament Appearances 2013, and 2014, The Sun Conference All-Conference Academic Award, NSCAA All-American Scholar Athlete, CoSIDA Academic All-District, Daktronics NAIA Scholar Athlete, The President's List, and The Dean's List.

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Lyle graduated Thomas University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree (B.B.A), Business Administration & Management. 

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After graduating TU Lyle signed a professional contract in 2016, with Swedish 3rd Division side, Strands IF. Located in Hudiksvall, Sweden, Strands IF played in the Södra Norrlands league, which loosely translates as "The South of the North, league". After his professional career ended, Lyle moved to Gothenburg, Sweden where he resides with his family today. 

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Lyle is also fluent in Swedish.