Christian lives the American dream But Machina hopes to star for Celtic one day
A Hamilton teenager has jetted off to America on the first step of a journey that he hopes will one day see him play for Scottish champions Celtic.
Christian Machina (17) has secured a football scholarship in America with Parkland College in Champagne, Illinois, where he will study arts, sciences and general studies, while playing full-time for Division One side Parkland Cobras.
Defender Christian will take his Celtic shirt with him, to remind him to return to Scotland to try to realise his ambition of playing for the Glasgow giants.
Christian, who will have the use of top-class facilities in Illinois, said: “I expect a challenging lifestyle, juggling schoolwork and football, training five or six times a week in the morning, eating well, staying athletic and travelling a lot – basically, getting treated like a professional.”
Andy Shakarji, head soccer consultant at United Sports USA, said: “With the limited chances there are in Scotland to progress into full-time football and the nature of the Pro-youth system, it is so important that young players are given another route to progress and achieve their dream.
“The growth of the Major League Soccer, United Soccer League and Women’s Premier Soccer League prove that there has never been a better time to play soccer in America.
“This unique system allows students to pursue higher education and play soccer at a fulltime level, providing stability that is so important for young individuals who are paving a career in their chosen field.”
Christian added: “I’m excited to go and see the world and play at a high level. I will miss my family and friends, but they are supporting me, which makes it even more exciting.
“I’m taking my Celtic shirt to the States with me so I will always remember to come home, and I have aspirations to play for them one day.”
Christian was helped through the application process by United Sports USA, who liked what they saw.
Ross Mackinnon, from the sports scholarship consultants, said: “I was very impressed with Christian when he came to our initial assessment day in Airdrie, back in August.
“He is a strong centre-back who has all the attributes to succeed in the college game in the US.”
The next assessment is at Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium on July 30. Visit unitedsportsusa.com for more information.