As UEL is known for having some well-known athletes and footballers we interviewed Alan Fleming on his journey playing youth football for a Premier League side in Norwich City, his experience in non-league football and now being at UEL.
Alan Fleming joined Norwich City when he was 14 years old and made his U23 debut at just 16 years old against Liverpool’s U23’s which had the likes of Trent Alexander Arnold playing as he stated this was one of his biggest achievements.
Fleming scored 7 goals in 30 matches for Norwich in the U18’s Premier League and scored twice out of four games in the FA Youth Cup.
Fleming admitted that playing against teams such as Arsenal and Chelsea were at times “a bit daunting” however felt that his side were able to compete with the best and added, “were the sort of team to go toe to toe with these teams. We were as equally talented as these teams”.
Fleming gave an example of when Chelsea were up 3-1 and felt that his side were giving way too much respect. He then added that Norwich “flipped the switch” and won the match 6-5.
Since his time at Norwich which ended in 2018, Fleming has been playing in the non-league and has played for Kings Langley, Wingate FC, Brentwood Town FC and now Biggleswade United.
Fleming stated that the first few games of playing in non-league football were a “shock”. Going on to say “When you come from an academy background, they instill in you the technical aspects of football and tactical to the highest standard so your sharp with your touch”.
He then added that in the academies “They don’t teach you the dirty side of football. I only feel like you see and learn that from playing it. I was expecting everything to be pretty, but doing the hard things like body positioning, leaving your foot in for a tackle, little bits like that, has helped me learn the non-league culture”.
Fleming further commented that by playing the matches it allows you to learn these skills and admitted it was hard to adapt to a different style of play, but by balancing both styles of play is what will “take you to the next level”.
Ryan Gordon was a huge influence on Fleming’s decision to come to UEL as he knew Gordon from Norwich when he was scouting for the club.
Gordon offered Fleming the opportunity to come to UEL where he was able to train in great facilities, play competitively, and be as close to an academy environment as possible whilst getting a degree which is important to Fleming.
He added to that by saying, “For me to be able to study as well as keep myself in the best condition I can, with all this amazing support around me, is ideal for my development as a footballer and individual”.
Fleming admitted that it was difficult during his first year at the university due to the large workload alongside additional pressures such as working, playing non-league and university football. However, the 21-year managed to adjust to the change.
Fleming’s aim this year is to score as many goals as possible for both club and university as well as demonstrating the ability to succeed academically.
Having the caliber of athletes such as Alan Fleming shows the incredible talent which the University of East London is able to attract.
