A YOUNG footballer is heading off for a new life in America after winning a sports scholarship at an elite college.

Mark Adamson is off to Lynn University Soccer Academy, Boca Raton, on Florida's Gold Coast.

Over the last seven years Mark, now 18, has been with Chester-le-Street Town Juniors, Middlesbrough FC Academy, Durham County Schools' squad and England's Schools' squad. He has recently become a regular of the Chester-le-Street Town's first team, who play in the Albany Northern League first division.

The talented left-sided midfielder will link up with another former Chester-le-Street Town player in Florida - Ross Lumsden, who captains the University side, the Fighting Knights. Coincidentally, the Knights play in the same blue and white strip as Chester-le-Street Town.

Juniors manager Andrew Muxworthy said: "It is the chance of a lifetime for Mark. Gaining a visa for entry to the US is not the easiest of tasks and has involved interviews at the US Embassy in London. He has had to be very patient."

Another Chester-le-Street player, Jonathan Taylor, is expected to follow Mark to Boca Raton next year when he completes his studies at Durham Sixth Form Centre.

The club has nurtured other young talent. Danny Graham is now on Middlesbrough's books and Dan Newby has been taken on by Stockport County.

Mr Muxworthy said: "There have been some fantastic individual achievements at the club this year.

"I keep telling my players if you have the right attitude, the opportunities are still there in football for you at 18 or 19".