A young footballer from Penicuik who once faced poverty and uncertainty is playing collegiate sport in the United States, thanks to Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity.
As Scotland’s football team enjoys the global spotlight during the World Cup, 18-year-old Peter Bradford from Penicuik is home for a summer break from his dream football scholarship at Fulton-Montgomery Community College in upstate New York.
Just a few years ago, the idea of a football scholarship would have been beyond Peter’s wildest dreams.
When Peter was 12-years old, single-mum Michelle, was struggling to cope after she was forced to give up her job as a psychiatric nurse due to a shoulder injury.
With no financial safety net, cupboards were empty and Michelle faced impossible choices about how to support her family.
“It took a lot for me to ask for help,” said Michelle. “I honestly didn’t know how I could support my family and keep Peter’s football going.”
Michelle turned to Children First’s support line for financial support, and not long after that she was put in touch with the local Children First team in Midlothian where her family received support from Charles.
Children First provides emotional, practical and financial support to children and families through its national support line and local services across the country.
With additional support to manage finances, the family began to regain stability at a critical moment.
Peter, who had trained four times a week from a young age, received support to continue playing the sport he loved. This included funding for training and new football boots.
Charles also took him on trips to matches and offered Peter consistent encouragement to build his confidence – support that made a lasting difference. Charles still keeps in touch with the family now.
Michelle said: “Peter wouldn’t be where he is today without Children First. At the point when I reached out to them, I just didn’t have the financial capacity to keep his football going.”
Peter went on to play for Penicuik, Bonnyrigg Rose and Spartans, where his talent continued to develop. He was offered one-to-one coaching with former professional footballer Gary O’Connor via Five-Star International Events.
Then in 2024 what Peter and Michelle thought was another training session, turned into a life-changing moment when Peter was offered a football scholarship in America.
“It was amazing. It didn’t feel real,” Peter said.
Determined to make the opportunity count, Peter spent a year preparing with a strict training and nutrition programme before moving to the United States at just 17.
For Michelle, saying goodbye was the hardest part. “The hardest thing I’ve ever done was leaving him at the airport, but he makes me proud every day.”
Since arriving in the US, Peter has flourished both on and off the pitch. Despite living with dyslexia and struggling in school, he has adapted with support from his college and is now studying general education.
He is working hard to support himself through a job at his college gym, has built strong relationships with family in Pennsylvania and is playing a key role in his team, the Raiders. The team recently achieved a historic win over the Herkimer Generals, their first victory against them in nearly 50 years.
Peter now has his sights set on securing a full scholarship to continue his football career beyond his time at his current college.
Now home with his mum for a few weeks over the summer, Peter is holding down a job while juggling his rigorous fitness regime and continuing his studies.
Reflecting on his journey, he said: “Leaving young has made me mature more. Nothing’s impossible if you’ve got a dream.”
Back in Scotland, Michelle watches every match via livestream, still amazed at how far her son has come. For his 18th birthday, she cashed in a savings bond she had taken out when he was a baby to support him as he continues his journey.
Looking back, both Peter and Michelle believe that it was the early support from Children First that changed everything.
“None of this would have been possible without Children First,” Michelle said. “They changed the direction of my son’s life when we needed it most.”
Charles Graham, Senior Peer Support Worker at the Midlothian Children First team said: “Peter’s story shows the life-changing impact that early support can make for children and families.
2If families are able to access help at the right time, it can prevent crisis, unlock potential and give children the chance to thrive. Every child should have the opportunity to follow their dreams, no matter the challenges they face.
“It has been a privilege to be a part of Peter’s journey and we wish him every success for the future. We are all so proud of him here at Children First.”
You can help more children like Peter achieve their potential by donating today to Children First: Scottish Children’s Charity Donation | Children First
Children First’s support line is here for anyone worried about a child. Their expert team understand that bringing up children can be tough at times and can provide emotional, practical and financial help on 08000 28 22 33.
Visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline to find out more.
