An MSc Physiotherapy student at the University of Chichester balances his studies with playing international American Football.
Rowan Milner (#24) plays for the Sealand Seahawks – the American Football team for the Principality of Sealand, a self-proclaimed state off the coast of England, which consists of an old World War Two sea fort, HM Fort Roughs.
Rowan most recently represented the Seahawks in February, which ended with a 28-6 victory for Sealand, and the next match is in Brno, Czech Republic, in November 2025.
Rowan said: “I started playing age 14, I got into it as me and my dad used to watch it on TV – we love American football and basketball. I did a quick Google search and found a local youth team where I fell in love with the game and progressed until I made it on the U19 GB squad.
“I have been involved with the Seahawks since 2022 when I made my debut in France.
“The next game is being hosted in Brno in November. Training has already started, with the next lot of camps hosted in Bristol in July. In the meantime, I will be working out myself and with my other UK national team the Solent Thrashers.
“University has been very accommodating to allow me to travel, play and train, as long as I was able to maintain a good work-life balance as a student athlete. They provided additional one-to-one sessions if I needed help.”
His advice for other student athletes is: “Prioritise your health and mental wellbeing. By doing this you will ensure your workloads aren’t too much but if they are chat to someone. Biggest thing for me was to ensure you get enough time with your family and friends whilst doing the things you love.”
Speaking about Rowan’s efforts on the team, Prince Liam of the Principality of Sealand, said: “Rowan is a standout talent and a true credit to Sealand. As always, he left it all on the field to help secure victory for the Nationals in our ‘Civil War’ match.
“He’s just as important off the pitch, ensuring newer players feel welcome and included in the Sealand family.
“I look forward to watching him join the Nationals when they take on Team Czech in Brno in November.”
Dr Connor Nyberg, Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the University of Chichester, added: “We’re incredibly proud of Rowan and all he’s achieved, both on and off the field. Balancing the demands of the MSc Physiotherapy programme while representing the Principality of Sealand in international American Football is no small feat. We were glad to support him with additional tutorials and flexible learning adjustments to help him meet both academic and athletic commitments. Seeing him represent Sealand with such drive and professionalism is a real testament to his character.”