Reggae Girl Marlo Sweatman is taking significant strides towards a career in sports management following her recent enrollment in the MSc International Sports Management program at the Global Institute of Sports (GIS) as an Elite Athlete Scholar. This latest achievement follows her successful completion of the UEFA Elite Scout Programme in December 2023, marking a seamless transition from professional football into a leadership role in the sport.
The 30-year-old midfielder, who currently plays for Brooklyn FC, expressed her gratitude for the scholarship, emphasizing both the financial support and the invaluable mentorship opportunities it provides.
"Being awarded the Elite Athlete Scholarship means so much to me, and I am very thankful. The financial support allows me to focus fully on my studies and take advantage of incredible opportunities worldwide. But beyond that, I truly value the mentorship aspect,” she said in a GIS Instagram post.
“I believe in the power of mentorship, and I’m excited to learn from those who have navigated similar paths. This recognition reinforces that the dedication I applied throughout my playing career can also help me succeed in my second career," Sweatman said.
Sweatman’s playing career has taken her across multiple leagues, representing clubs in the United States, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Hungary. She first played for Jamaica’s senior women’s national team in 2018 after representing the country at the U20 level from 2011 to 2012. Her experience and network within international football will be crucial as she transitions into scouting and sports management.
In December 2023, Sweatman became one of the few footballers to complete the UEFA Elite Scout Programme, an intensive three-month course that took her across Europe to some of the most prestigious football clubs, including Tottenham, Arsenal, Millwall, and AS Monaco. The midfielder was one of only three women accepted into the program, which typically admits only 35 scouts from a pool of around 200 applicants.
"It's a prestigious Academy through UEFA where they have a selection of scouts, and they pick 35 people. About 200 applied, and you have to be a current scout. There were scouts from PSG, Benfica, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal. I was able to get accepted into the program as a current player, which was a very big deal," she explained to Sportsmax.TV back then.
Marlo at Brooklyn FC
In 2023, Sweatman also revealed how she views the importance of education and continuous learning within football.
"I think education is very important. A lot of players wait until their playing career is over to think about what they're going to do next. The best thing is to get as many courses and certificates as possible while still playing and continue learning about the game, setting yourself up for life after football," she said.
Since late 2024, Sweatman has been represented by Tedeschi&Partners Management.
As she embarks on this new chapter at GIS, Sweatman’s dedication to football remains strong. Her ambition to uplift the next generation of Jamaican footballers, coupled with her pursuit of academic excellence, signals a bright future for both her and the sport she loves.