Theo Sackey- Mensah - The Student-Athlete Seeking To Win On And Off The Pitch

Theo Sackey- Mensah started his football career in secondary school at Norwich City. Whilst boarding in Norwich, he first learnt how to balance his sporting and educational commitments by playing football for Norwich part-time. After secondary school, Theo spent two years at Stevenage FC playing full time whilst achieving a BTEC alternative. The skills he learnt at Norwich City and Stevenage were essential as his journey took him to Loughborough University FC where Theo is currently in the second year of his sports science degree at Loughborough. 

Renowned sports university Loughborough has a university men's team that competes in the United Counties League Premier Division North. Loughborough University FC was recently drawn against Wythenshawe in the quarter-final of the FA Vase.  

Club captain, Theo Sackey- Mensah is relishing the chance to potentially get his hands on the trophy: “It would honestly be incredible (to win the FA Vase). This is my third season playing at Loughborough but because of COVID and we haven't yet had a full season of football. To come this far in the competition, we've already made history. The chance to go to Wembley to play the final will be massive and is something not many people can say they’ve done.”

Loughborough University FC Captain, Theo Sackey- Mensah (R)

Off the pitch, Theo has always had an interest in property especially real estate, having family members who are involved in property ownership. This interest was piqued when Theo attended an add-victor coordinated workshop about real estate specifically regarding well renowned real estate company CBRE Group. The workshop entailed learning about how each day is different, some of the pressures work demands and vital social skills that are needed.  

Following the workshop, it allowed Theo to understand more about real estate and himself as an individual. As an athlete, Theo has a lot of skills that are transferable from the pitch to the office. He said: “As an athlete, that's working within a team, you have to be sociable and be able to get your points across, but at the same time listen to your teammates as well. Especially with real estate, you're always working within a team. As an athlete and a person, you have to be determined, especially someone like me, who's faced recurring injuries for example. It can be frustrating. But if you give up, you will never know what the final outcome could be. And, for me, the injuries that I've had I've never given up. I keep pushing myself and I know at the end I will come back stronger and I need to stay resilient.”  

add- victor has been key for helping Theo find his feet in the world of real estate employment. Theo has used the add- victor platform to plan his CV and identify different jobs to apply for his placement year. add-victor also offers a different platform where there are desirable roles for student-athletes to go into. Theo says: “add- victor had a message that they brought across that as an athlete, you have these transferable skills that many companies really want. Sportspeople have skills and different experiences that many people don’t have.” 

Theo still enjoys playing football alongside his studies. He stated: “Being the club captain has shaped the way I conduct myself and has also been a great honour. Even wearing the match shirt alone, gives me such joy and pride to represent Loughborough. I always want to do my best, the best for my family, friends, the coach and my teammates, to lead by example and help Loughborough University FC.”  

Theo’s goals in the future are to graduate with first-class honours, secure a work experience placement, ideally with CBRE Group, and have the opportunity to work for CBRE Group through the help of add-Victor. Theo added: “My future goals and aspirations are to have a long term career in real estate. But at the same time, to carry on my football at the highest level I possibly can. But right now, the biggest goal is to get to Wembley.”

All images were provided by Theo Sackey- Mensah