Officials at a west Cumbrian football club have spoken of their pride as three of their young players prepare to take up soccer scholarships in America.
Teenagers William Derbyshire, Holly New and Ruth Atkinson are all heading to the USA shortly for the next stage in their education and careers.
They are all players with Whitehaven AFC, who have been supporting the trio as they prepare for the exciting opportunity.
The club recently held a fundraising night to help Will, Holly and Ruth.
Club chairman Luke Johnston said: “They’ve all been involved with the club for a number of years.
“Will was playing for the 18s and he’s since played for the second team and first team, and the Holly and Ruth have played for our ladies’ first team, and have also come through the youth set-up.
“It’s fantastic that they’ve developed as they’ve come through the club, and that they’ve managed off their own backs to secure these amazing opportunities in such a big place.
“They’re going to get a degree and play football. They’re all absolutely football through and through, and to be able to do that full-time in America is amazing.”
Luke says Will, 18, from Beckermet, will be playing for Ottawa Braves whilst studying business, finance and economics at Ottawa University in Kansas.
Holly, 17, from Whitehaven will be playing for Falcons at East Central College in St Louis Missouri, while Ruth, 18, from Moor Row, will be playing for Bluefield State College and will be studying social sciences with a psychology concentration.
A race night held at the club recently raised more than £600 to support the three young west Cumbrians.
“It was a night to get everyone together – team-mates, family, friends – not just to raise money but also just to have a drink and celebrate what they’ve achieved,” added Luke.
“They’ve done the club really proud by getting this opportunity.
“Grassroots football and the ethos behind it, the structure, really helps young players develop as a team and develop their skills.
“As a grassroots club, we’re really proud of them and happy we’ve had not one or two but three out of one year from our club go to play in America, it’s amazing.”
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