AN 18-year-old footballer from Penicuik is living his dream at an American college, crediting a Scottish children’s charity that helped keep him on the pitch during his family’s struggles with poverty.
Peter Bradford won a scholarship to Fulton-Montgomery Community College in upstate New York, where he plays for the Raiders.
He received years of support from the charity Children First after his single mother Michelle was forced to give up work with a shoulder injury.
The family were left without income when Peter was 12, but a referral to Children First’s Midlothian team connected them with senior peer support worker Charles Graham, who helped stabilise their finances and funded Peter’s training and football boots.
“It took a lot for me to ask for help,” Michelle said. “I honestly didn’t know how I could support my family and keep Peter’s football going.”
With Scotland’s national team competing at the World Cup in the United States – their first appearance since 1998 – the timing of Peter’s story draws a sharp contrast between the professional game’s spotlight and the grassroots realities facing young players from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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 represent Penicuik, Bonnyrigg Rose and Spartans before receiving one-to-one coaching from former professional footballer Gary O’Connor through Five-Star International Events.
In 2024, what he believed was another training session turned into a scholarship offer.
“It was amazing. It didn’t feel real,” Peter said of the scholarship offer.
At Fulton-Montgomery, Peter has been a key figure for the Raiders, who recently recorded a historic win over the Herkimer Generals – their first in nearly 50 years.
Reflecting on his journey, he said: “Leaving young has made me mature more. Nothing’s impossible if you’ve got a dream.”
Despite living with dyslexia, he has adapted with college support and is studying general education while working in the campus gym to support himself.
Now home in Midlothian for a summer break, Peter is balancing work and training before returning to the US, where he is targeting a full scholarship to continue his career.
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.
“If 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.”
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