Michael Owen to be given University Fellowship

Goal scoring sensation Michael Owen is today being honoured in recognition of his services to sport.

Michael, 28, will receive an Honorary Fellowship from Glyndŵr University – as it celebrates its first awards ceremonies as the newest university in Wales.

He will be among 1,000 people receiving degrees and fellowships over two days at this important time for Wrexham, Wales and the Borderlands.

Honorary Fellowships are also being awarded to Anne Ellis OBE; Director of the Quality Assurance Agency Norman Sharp OBE; and Russian scientist Professor Alexander Chernikov.

Michael said: “I am absolutely delighted to be honoured by Glyndŵr University in this way. It is a real privilege for me to receive an Honorary Fellowship from the university near my home-village. I feel very proud of the fact that the former North East Wales Institute now has university status and that I am one of the first to be honoured by this new establishment.
“I would also like to congratulate all of the students who have graduated from Glyndŵr University this year.”

Professor Michael Scott, Vice-Chancellor of Glyndŵr University, said: “I’m delighted that we are honouring Michael for his services to sport. His achievements have served as an inspiration to thousands of young people. His goals against Argentina in 1998 and his hat trick against Germany in the 5-1 win in 2001 will I’m sure live long in the memory. Michael is a truly outstanding talent.”

Michael, from Hawarden, was born in Chester and as a young boy played for Mold Alexandra, Deeside Primary School and Hawarden Secondary School, before joining the Football Assocation’s School of Excellence at the age of 14.

He later joined Liverpool Football Club’s Youth Training Scheme, signing his first professional contract with Liverpool just days before his 17th birthday.

Michael made his debut for England at Wembley early in 1998 and by the summer of the same year he had become a world star having scored a “wonder goal” against Argentina in the World Cup. His hat-trick against Germany in Munich in 2001 ensured England’s qualification for the 2002 World Cup.

Following Liverpool’s treble winning season of 2000/2001 in the League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup, Michael continued to enhance his reputation and became one of the most exciting strikers in Europe. He was named European Footballer of the Year in December 2001.

In 2004 Michael joined Real Madrid and a year later moved to Newcastle United for a £16m record transfer fee.

As England’s fourth highest scorer of all time, Michael now Captain’s Newcastle United.

Michael is married to his childhood sweetheart, Louise Bonsall, and the couple has three children.