From soccer pitch to law school

As a student in the Internationally Trained Lawyer Pathway at the University of Alberta Faculty of Law, Tomi Ameobi takes inspiration from his character-building soccer days.

“I was extremely fortunate to be able to pursue a career and travel the world as a professional athlete for 16 years,” says Ameobi, who was born in Newcastle, England, one of three brothers who had storied careers in the game.

At fifteen, he signed his first contract for Leeds United Football Club. His exceptional talents as a forward shone for several English and Scandinavian clubs before he crossed the Atlantic to play in Edmonton and Cincinnati. He finished his career with Edmonton FC as their Captain and second all-time leading scorer.

In 2014, he spoke to an agent about life after soccer. Unbeknownst to Ameobi, that agent was also a lawyer, and he suggested that law might be a good fit. 

“I was thinking about becoming an agent,” says Ameobi. “But you can do a lot more for players if you have a background in law.”

He studied remotely at the UK’s Open University while still playing, eventually earning his law degree. Once it was time to hang up his cleats, Ameobi began working as a paralegal in Edmonton, aiming to one day practise law in Canada. The ITLP program will ensure Ameobi can meet the National Committee on Accreditation requirements he needs to do so.

Progressing through the ITLP program has been a team effort for Ameobi and his cohort of a dozen students. 

“The group we have is really close-knit, studying together and doing things outside of school,” he says. “There’s a real camaraderie there. It’s been nice to make those connections with people who you’ll be practising alongside one day.”

He also credits Michael Rajan, the Faculty’s Wellness and ITLP coordinator, for smoothing his transition into the program. “Michael always goes over and above. He’s been a great help to me.” 

Whenever law studies have been a struggle, Ameobi calls upon the mental fortitude he’s developed over a lifetime in sport. 

“Everyone has a few setbacks. I dealt with them throughout my career: injury, loss of form, not getting the contract you want, being let go by a club. Having that resiliency in my back pocket is really helpful.” 

He also sees his attention to detail, honed as an elite athlete, serving him well in law.

At Local Legal Law Offices, where Ameobi works, owner Farhana Nurani also went through the NCA process and was able to mentor him. “She has been a massive help, providing exposure to the profession and helping me navigate the challenges that international students face.”

In addition to studying and working, Ameobi raises a young family with his wife, and volunteers four nights a week. He says this hectic routine is only possible because of his family. “My wife and my in-laws are superhumans. I’m incredibly blessed and lucky to have their support.”

Ameobi’s volunteer work with community soccer organizations is a full-hearted endeavour. Whether fundraising, hosting events, or volunteer coaching at different youth clubs, his focus is helping boys and girls who don’t have the means or access to programs in communities around Edmonton.

This includes his work with the Born To Be Academy, running their U21 program and connecting youth to professional trials and collegiate opportunities in Canada and abroad.

“To be able to provide advice, not just about sports but about general life, struggles in school or things going on at home, and to be able to see growth in young people, is something that I take a lot of pride in. I had great mentors when I was younger who guided me, so I wanted to be able to give back in that same way.”

Looking forward, Ameobi is particularly interested in sports law, wills and estates, corporate commercial, and family law. No matter how many areas he practises in, he’ll still find time to help kids dream big, on and off the field.