Student-Athlete Placement

Where Potential
Finds Its Purpose

A personal, founder-led agency placing athletes in U.S. college programmes and supporting them every step of the way.

See how it works
TSM
D1-NAIA
Placement Range
£60,000+
Average Scholarship Value
2,100+
U.S. Colleges with sport programmes
THE Founder

I have been where you are going.

At 18, I left England to compete as a Division 1 student-athlete at Grand Canyon University in Arizona. During my time in the United States, I secured an internship at Barstool Sports, one of the largest media companies in the country, and travelled extensively across America. In 2025, I graduated with a degree in Business Management and a Minor in Sports and Entertainment Management, before going on to work at one of the largest travel companies in the world. That experience is what Thurtell Sports Management was built on: bringing something most people in this industry do not have, the lived experience of an international student-athlete. I want athletes to not only grow in their sport, but to take full advantage of the opportunities the United States has to offer.
Ross Thurtell
Founder, Thurtell Sports Management
How it works

A clear process.
A proven path.

From your first consultation to arriving on campus and beyond. We manage every stage or guide you through it, depending on the level of support you need.
01
Free Consultation
We begin with a full assessment of your level, academic background, goals, and timeline, so you get an honest, realistic picture of what's achievable.
02
Profile and Shortlist
We build a targeted shortlist of U.S. programmes that fit you both athletically and academically, and prepare your profile so coaches see you at your best.
03
Coach Outreach
We reach out directly to coaches, manage every conversation, handle the follow-ups and work through scholarship negotiations on your behalf.
04
Placement and Beyond
Once an offer is confirmed we stay with you through the visa process, pre-arrival preparation and life on campus. Getting placed is just the beginning.
our services

Three ways
to work together.

Whether you want the tools to manage your own recruitment, expert guidance throughout, or someone to handle everything on your behalf - there is a package built for you.
Coming soon

Access

A self-serve platform built for athletes who want to understand the U.S. college system and manage their own recruitment. Resources, guides and tools built from real experience.
- Athlete profile platfrom
- Full resource and guide library
- NCAA eligibility guidance
- Visa and Immigration resources
- Athlete profile tools
Platform Launching soon
consultive support

Guided

You drive the process. We arm you with peronalised strategy, expert advice at every stage and someone experienced in your corner throughout. You execute, we guide.
- Personalised school shortlist
- Athlete profile and CV review
- 3 x 60 minute consultation calls
- Outreach email review and coaching
- Student Life Series Worksheets
- Visa and immigration guidance
Book a consultation →
Most popular

Placed

We take care of everything. From building the profile to contacting coaches, negotiating scholarship and supporting the athlete through their career. You focus on the sport.
- Full placement management
- Direct coach outreach
- Scholarship negotiation
- F-1 visa application support
- Pre-arrival and on-campus support
- Student Life Series Worksheets
Book a consultation→
for athletes

Your profile.
Your opportunity.

Our athlete platform is coming soon. Register your interest below and be the first to access tools built specifically for student-athletes - profile builder, coach database, eligibility checker, and more.
Platform coming soon

Register Your Interest

Be first to know when the athlete platform launches. No commitment, just early access.
full name
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testimonials

What athletes
and families say.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Having known Ross as an athlete, I’ve seen firsthand his work ethic and understanding of the pathway for international players. He’s taken that into his agency and built something that genuinely puts athletes first. If you’re looking to navigate the U.S. college system, he’s someone you want in your corner.”
Kitan ojo - harlequins & Houston sabercats
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I played alongside Ross at Grand Canyon University and know the kind of person he is. He understands what it takes to compete at the highest level and more importantly he understands what it means to make that journey from abroad. There are very few people who have lived  and navigated the U.S. system the way he has."
Tucker Trickey - usa rugby 7's
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"The scholarship secured covers 60 percent of tuition. The fee paid for itself in the first semester. The support after arrival was something we did not expect."
Parent of placed athlete
Testimonials are representative of the service experience. Individual outcomes vary.
FAQ

Common questions.

What sports do you work with?
+
We work across all sports that have NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA programmes - rugby, football, basketball, tennis, golf, track and field, swimming, and more. If your sport is played at U.S. college level, we can help.
How long does the process take?
+
Typically 6 to 18 months from first consultation to confirmed placement, depending on the athlete's profile and target start date. We recommend starting at least 12 months before the intended start date.
How does payment work?
+
We operate on a results-based model. A small deposit is required to get started with the remaining balance only due when your athlete has a signed offer letter from a U.S. university.
Can you guarantee a scholarship?
+
No agency can guarantee a specific scholarship outcome. Scholarships depend on the athlete's profile, academic eligibility, and what coaches are looking for at the time. What we can guarantee is a thorough, targeted process and transparent communication throughout.
What if the athlete is not NCAA eligible?
+
NCAA eligibility is assessed early in the process. If there are complications such as prior professional contracts, prize money or prior enrollment we navigate those with you. In some cases NAIA and NJCAA programmes offer more flexible eligibility pathways.
Do you support athletes after placement?
+
Yes, our support does not stop at the offer letter. We are with you through the F-1 visa process, pre-arrival preparation, and throughout your college career as you navigate life in the United States.
get in touch

We'd love to hear from you.

Send us a message and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Email
info@thurtellsports.com
website
thurtellsports.com
based in
United Kingdom
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THURTELL SPORTS MANAGEMENT
Where Potential Finds Its Purpose.
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