Zero Gravity FC to Warwick: How I won A Levels, Scholarships worth 40k and a Future!

The full-time whistle blows and the 2023/24 season comes to an end. With it, Pravanan closes this chapter of his playing career with Zero Gravity FC. But, he leaves with the treble, a Zero Gravity university membership, and £40k in his pocket. Catch his post-match interview here!

Congratulations! How does it feel winning the A Levels league and securing the Treble?

It’s a surreal feeling! The entire squad put in tons of hard work this year, and to secure the treble is amazing! We’ve faced some challenges along the way, but we stayed united, kept our focus, and now we’re reaping the rewards! It’s a moment I’ll cherish and I’m so proud to have played a part in it.

After a tough start to the season, you probably didn’t see this coming?

Honestly, it’s unbelievable. At the start of the season, things weren’t looking bright – I had no club to call home. Luckily, Zero Gravity FC stepped in and gave me a lifeline when I thought retirement was an option. The extra year made the difference. The start of the season was rough, but we put in the work day after day. Training hard, focusing on the basics, and preparing for the UCAS cup whilst having to maintain focus on the league. The manager and the coaches were key – they kept their faith in us, even when things seemed bleak. In the end, we saw the fruits of our labour and we turned it around.

Speaking of the UCAS Cup, how did you overcome the 3-peat Winners, Personal Statement FC?

Beating Personal Statement FC was no small feat! They’ve dominated the competition for years and with such a formidable opponent, I knew I had to perform. The game plan was crucial. It came down to the tactics in the end. The coaches and I at Zero Gravity FC worked on my strengths and weaknesses, refining minute details making sure I’d be able to keep my cool and perform well. It was all about soaking up the pressure and hitting them on the counter like we practised. To get an assist in such a big game, It felt like scoring the match winner myself!

Let’s have a look at some of the goals. You scored the winner in the A Levels League today, talk us through it.

Yeah, it happened so fast. The ball came to me just outside the box, and I knew it was now or never – I had to take my chance. I took a touch, saw the keeper out of position and curled it into the far top corner. It was reassuring seeing the ball hit the back of the net, having practised that same shot so many times! Securing the 3 points and coming out on top of the A Levels league feels amazing, and I’ll forever be proud of winning that UCAS Cup. Plus, to secure a £3k Zero Gravity Scholarship goal bonus from my club Zero Gravity FC is the cherry on top - a fairytale ending!

Top bonus of the Season! We heard that in winning the UCAS Cup, there’s a transfer on the cards?

Yep, as well as securing the UCAS Cup and my goal bonus from Zero Gravity, my performance last season in the A-Levels league locked in the £2k Warwick Scholars bonus and earned me a contract at Warwick next season. Whilst Zero Gravity FC will always be my home team, it’s a huge moment to go and play as a transfer for the next few seasons. The performance from last season really gave me the momentum to go all the way – leading my team to securing the Royal Society of Engineering (RSOE) Cup.

Tell us more about the RSOE Cup. How was it to score in another Final and secure some more silverware?

Yeah, scoring in the RSOE Final was unforgettable. With the match looking to end at 1-1 after normal time, the pressure was monumental. Thanks to numerous one-to-one training sessions with the coaches – I stepped up with confidence, executed the kick with precision and saw the ball hit the back of the net, sealing the win. The impact of mentoring from the coaches was pivotal. That goal was important not only for the cup but unlocked a £15,000 scholarship. It was an unbelievable feeling and pushed us even closer to the treble.

This season’s been ruthless – playing nearly 3 games a week, how did the team manage to stay fit and prepared?

Having qualified for all competitions last year – it was a tight schedule. Managing everyone’s workload and ensuring proper rest can’t be understated. The coach’s mentoring really emphasised rotation and taking necessary breaks to keep everyone fit throughout the season. Implementing these strategies, the team stayed focused and performed consistently throughout the year. Balancing training, games and staying rested was key to handling the pressures and performing week in, week out.

Congratulations again on all the achievements this season! You’ve given us some memorable moments and we can’t wait to see what you achieve next season at Warwick FC. Enjoy the celebrations!

We love this piece from Pravanan! Of course, his time playing at Zero Gravity FC has only just begun - as he continues his university membership, he'll be able to unlock exclusive career opportunities, career mentoring, and industry masterclasses - even whilst we loan him to Warwick FC!

Fancy bagging an undergraduate scholarship of your own? Sign up with Zero Gravity while you're at school, and as well as receiving mentoring, masterclasses, career opportunities and more, you'll get the chance to apply for the Zero Gravity Scholarship!