Charlie Corsby discusses motivation to keep unpaid Students hungry for football
(Image: Matthew Lofthouse
Reaching the Europa League is a financial reward for some clubs, but in what is a unique situation in football, their players will remain unpaid despite their heroics.
It is well documented that Cardiff Metropolitan players receive no financial gain from their time with the football club despite making the jump from Division Three of the Welsh League to the Europa League qualifiers. Where in other cases, players would be rewarded for their continued success.
Instead, the players are out of pocket to the tune of £150 which pays their membership fee at the start of every season.
The club will receive a £193,000 windfall from their European adventure but already some of that has gone towards funding the costs of a temporary move to Leckwith Stadium, along with a trip to Luxembourg. The clubs stance on not paying their players will remain, despite the money earned.
Charlie Corsby who arrived at the University in 2009 as a student has made the full transition into a lecturer at the University. The former Brockenhurst midfielder like his teammates isn’t paid for his playing commitment to the football club, instead, there are different benefits he explains to playing for a club with no financial reward.
Corsby who is one of the only players different to the student rule due to his alumni status said: “It’s always an exchange, there has to be an exchange.
“Some clubs choose to use a financial reward as that exchange whereas Cardiff Met operates with a different currency.”
“The obligation to play and in return the relationships you get out of that with the opportunities and the possibilities along with the support you get with your studies as well makes the environment very unique.
Persistent knee injuries saw Corsby’s playing time reduced last season, with just six outings in the league last season.
Compare that to his first season in the Welsh Premier League where he managed 34 appearances in the same season he had began a teaching role at the University.
In what was their most successful season according to skipper Bradley Woolridge, Corsby had to spend a long period on the shelf. There was a saving grace for the midfielder in that he featured in Met’s maiden League Cup final win in January.
But knee surgery put an end to his season and now it’s a case of catch-up for Charlie, who is working hard to earn a spot in the Europa League squad.
Should he miss out on a place, the Sports Coaching lecturer is eager to assist his club in any way he can, even if it comes to the case that he can’t contribute on the pitch.
“I’ve missed quite a lot of the season due to a knee injury. I’ve had knee surgery, with the boys coming back so early, it’s been great for me to increase my rehab and get the football in a little bit early.
“I’m going to try everything I can to put my name in the hat at the end of the month. The bigger picture for me is the start of the season, that’s going to be the target. Hopefully, I’ll feel like a new signing for the football club.
“I’m going to go regardless of the situation. If I can help balls, bibs or cones I will. If I can help by getting on the pitch that’s what I’ll try and do.”
Progrès Niederkorn are most known for their famous victory over Scottish Premier League side Rangers.
That memorable win, coupled alongside their performances in Europe in recent years will have them as firm favourites for this tie.
Despite the potential gulf in class, given Niederkorn are able to boast a number of senior Internationals in their squad, it is a challenge that the 27-year-old is looking forward to.
“Much has been made of them since we’ve got the draw. It’s football at the end of the day. We know the standard is going to be high. There’s a little apprehension on what that’s going to be but there’s also a lot of excitement.
“It’s a new experience for everyone in the dressing room. We’ve got to make sure everyone enjoys the moment but stay disciplined and work hard and we’ll see what happens after that.”
