GIS are delighted to share that scholarship partner Dev Trehan and student Millie Chandarana have been shortlisted for accolades at the Asian Football Awards.
In 2023, Dev, a Sky Sports Journalist and FA Scout, teamed up with GIS to launch the world’s first scholarship for South Asians in Football Leadership.
The first recipient of this scholarship was Millie Chandarana. Studying on our MSc Football Business program, Chandarana currently plays for Nottingham Forest Women, who sit top of their table, unbeaten so far this season.
An example of our successful alumni in the sports industry, Millie has been mentored by Dev throughout her studies as the pair work to raise positive awareness and inspire the next generation of players from the Asian community. Millie has been nominated for the Women’s Player of the Year award.
Also nominated for an award, Dev, who is the founder of Trehan Football, has been put forward in the Media category. Speaking to GIS, Dev said: “I'm humbled to be in the conversation alongside some world-class talent, but more than anything else, I’m absolutely over the moon for our very own Millie Chandarana.
"Millie is a consummate professional, who has made unbelievable sacrifices to get to where she is in the game. She's thriving off the field, and even though she's playing the best football of her career, her best is still to come.
"Millie is a credit to GIS, a credit to the women’s game, and a credit to British South Asians in Football.”
Sharona Friedman, President and CEO of GIS, shares Dev’s delight, saying: "Millie epitomises everything we look for in our students. Her determination to succeed both on and off the pitch is infectious, we are proud to support her development and excited to watch her make a huge difference in the game going forwards. We will continue to support trailblazers like Millie in our mission to transform the global sports industry and develop the next generation of football leadership talent."
Alisa Khakhar, Head of Student Recruitment at GIS added: “We’re all so proud of both Dev and Millie. Their efforts over the last year have been second to none and we’re pleased that this work has been officially recognised at the awards.”
This year, GIS student Mikhela Treon has received the scholarship too. The MSc Sports Marketing and Media student is one of the many applicants that impressed Dev, who said: "The level of interest and calibre of applicants this year is a clear reflection of the impact our groundbreaking scholarship has made in English football.
"I hope to have at least one touchpoint with each of the shortlisted candidates across the academic year - they all have so much to offer the game.
"But Mikhela was an outstanding candidate. Her experience is varied, her application was compelling and her love for the game is unquestionable. I'm excited to support her and excited for her future."
Learn more about GIS’ scholarships.
Article by Zak Anani
