Teen to chase football dream at US college

Lewis Tomlinson, 18, will move to Holy Cross College, Indiana, in August.

He will combine playing for the college’s football team with studying towards a degree in business and sports management.

Lewis has been a keen footballer since he was very young and plays as a goalkeeper.

His sporting adventure has been made possible thanks to a soccer scholarship through United Sports USA.

A spokesman said America offered a great opportunity in the form of sports scholarships for those looking to get a good balance between furthering their education and also wanting to push themselves to be the best in their sports.

“The scholarship gives me an added dimension to my degree, allowing me an opportunity to play football to a high standard,” said an excited Lewis.

“It will also allow me to develop as a footballer to the highest possible standard.”

Having played football from an early age, the talented keeper has turned out for various age-group teams such as Grimsby Town, Scunthorpe United, Doncaster Rovers and Winterton Rangers.

“I have played football for as long as I can remember with my inspiration stemming from my dad,” he said.

“A keen Scunthorpe United fan, my dad got me hooked on the sport and I have loved to watch and play football ever since.”

Lewis is very excited by the opportunity and cannot wait to get started with his American student-athlete life.

With top class sporting facilities and coaching, the scholarship can also open up opportunities for professional football.

“America for me is almost like a last chance,” Lewis added.

“The facilities and professionalism around the whole set up will hopefully be a stepping stone.”

His family said they would miss Lewis, but they were proud of his achievement and felt the scholarship was a fantastic opportunity that didn’t come around every day.

“You are better giving it a try than living in regret for the rest of your life.” said Lewis.

The teenager thanked his family for their continued support and his goalkeeping coach, Steve Croudson.

He said they had helped him become the player he was today.