Pompey fan who grew up in shadows of Fratton Park wins Portsmouth Football Club Scholarship

Nadine Smith has become the first in her Blues supporting family to go to university by winning the Portsmouth Football Club Scholarship.

She will go on to study graphic design at the University of Portsmouth.

Nadine, who lives two streets behind the Milton End, said she first told her mum about the achievement.

She said: ‘She was at work when I phoned, and I think she was even more excited than I was.

‘It’s an amazing opportunity to be part of the scholarship and get the chance to work with the club and get that direct work experience.

‘Graphics is something I’ve wanted to do since joining college. I like the idea of being able to make something and be proud of it.

‘Graphic design is about reputation and getting your name out there, so to get to work with Portsmouth Football Club is a massive first step in my career.’

The Portsmouth Football Club Scholarship offers £9,000 to a student who is the first in their family to go into higher education or has a household income of under £25,000.

Nadine will receive £3,000 a year towards course fees, and work experience at the club.

She was selected as the second Portsmouth FC scholar in August.

Professor Graham Galbraith, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, said the award gives young people concerned about finances the chance to go to university.

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He added: ‘It’s exciting to welcome someone to the University and to the scholarship who’s from a family of Pompey fans and who practically lives at the club.

‘I’m really pleased for Nadine that she’s been successful and I’m sure she’ll have a fantastic first year with the University.’

Nadine is the second recipient of the scholarship,

Isibeal O’Carroll was the first, studying interior architecture and design.

She will be working with the club to redesign the Victory Lounge at Fratton Park.

Pompey CEO Andrew Cullen said: ‘Nadine has grown up in the shadows of Fratton Park, and the award of the scholarship to someone so local makes this year even more special and just like Isibeal, we will explore opportunities for Nadine to be closely involved in one of our ongoing club projects.’