A YOUNG footballer from Plymouth is looking forward to a new life across the Atlantic after securing a four-year scholarship at an American university.
City College sports student Kieran Dyer has been offered a place at Francis Marion University in South Carolina to combine his football with a degree in human anatomy.
Dyer’s chance to play in America came after Dave Binnie, managing director of Sport Futures USA – a recruitment provider specialising in sports scholarships – visited City College last November.
Former Plymstock School pupil Dyer caught Binnie’s eye and was invited to play in matches in Edinburgh, which were filmed and sent off to universities and colleges in America.
Dyer, who like his famous namesake is a midfielder, received quite a bit of interested but opted to move to South Carolina.
“I’m so excited, I can’t really believe it’s happening,” said Dyer, who carried the 2012 Olympic torch through Devon as Year 7 student.
“I have been playing football for as long as I can remember and to be given the opportunity to start a career playing the game I love is amazing.
“The college has been so supportive and given me the training that has enabled me to progress towards my dream job.
“The football academy (at the college) offered the perfect balance between studying and sport. I have been able to train and improve my football skills whilst gaining my qualifications and I owe a lot of my success to City College.
“I’m now looking forward to the next four years.”
Mark Channing, a sports lecturer at City College said: “We are so proud of all Kieran has achieved.
“Here at the college we have many great links with companies and people in the sports industry and were lucky enough to have Dave come down to talk to players from our football academy.
“Run in partnership with Plymouth Argyle, the football academy aims to give students the chance to train and learn at the same time, as well as meeting industry professionals who can help to kick-start their careers.
“It is great to see the programme working and that it has helped Kieran to start a new chapter. We wish him all the luck in the world.”