Scholarships offer duo the chance to kick on in future
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
CALLUM HARLEY’S No 1 priority is to impress across the pond as he embarks on an exciting new stage of his football career, writes TONY HODGSON.
The 18-year-old goalkeeper, who plays for North Tyneside’s TyneMet College, has secured a three-year football scholarship in the United States - starting in September.
The move was sealed due to a link-up between TyneMet and Pass4Soccer and sees the Northumberland FA under-18 shotstopper heading for Walsh College in Mississippi.
During his time there – which could be extended to a fourth year – Harley will play for the college football team alongside studying for a degree.
Harley said: “Ever since I was in year seven at school this is something I have wanted to do - so to have the chance now is a dream come true.
“I had several offers but Walsh was the college which seems the most interested in me.
“I will study psychology there as well as playing for the university.
“I cannot wait to get out there – it’s a great chance to develop my game while keeping up with my studies.”
Harley’s coach at TyneMet Marc Nash said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Callum and something he has always wanted to do.
“Coaches came cross from America to watch him play and must have been impressed as he had nine offers from colleges – but he seemed most keen on Walsh.
“Callum is a terrific prospect and has already played for Whitley Bay in the Northern League this season.
“He has been great for us and we will miss him – but he deserves this chance to develop his career.”
Rejected by Newcastle United because of his height, Harley has worked his way through the grassroots system.
He played for Cramlington Juniors and Wallsend Boys Club before joining up with TyneMet College two years ago while still in full-time education.
However, Harley is not the only TyneMet student to be celebrating a scholarship.
Team-mate Jack Pearson is also about to mix studies with football – courtesy of a four-year assignment with Milligan College in Tennessee.
Central midfielder Pearson, 18, plays for Northern Alliance League side North Shields Athletic as well as TyneMet.
The Tynemouth-based player was also a part of the Monkseaton Football Academy set-up for two years before joining the North Tyneside-based college.
He said: “I got involved with Pass4Soccer and Future Elite Sports. They do video assessments of your game and send these to colleges and universities across America.
“Milligan got back in touch and offered me the scholarship, which starts in early August.
“I am really excited and it is fantastic move for me.
“It should help my development both academically and football-wise.
“The fact both Callum and I have sponsorships shows what a good set-up there is at TyneMet.”
Coach Nash added: “Jack is a very confident and determined individual who came to us for a year after studying elsewhere.
“This enabled him to pursue his ambition of a scholarship.
“He has been very focused on this and we are all delighted he has now achieved it.
“As an older player he has shown great leadership on the field and has helped the younger lads through his encouragement.”