The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Angus keeper seeks glory in America after winning scholarship
17-year-old stopper hopes to follow in footsteps of his idols after bagging spot on four-year course in Kansas, USA
An Angus youngster is dreaming of following in the footsteps of legendary goalkeeper Gordon Banks as he heads Stateside in the latest leg of his soccer career.
Arran Lyall, from Arbroath, has won a scholarship to the US which he hopes will lead to a starring role in America’s top-flight league.
Footage of his appearances in goal at local matches was circulated among colleges in America and seven institutions competed to recruit him for a four-year scholarship, which will also earn him a degree in health and human resources.
Arran eventually plumped for Cloud County Community College, Kansas, and will be taking up a place there in August.
Tayside’s links to America’s top flight go all the way back to 1967 when Dundee United played in the summer league.
Big names including Dundee’s Charlie Cooke, Jocky Scott and Gordon Wallace followed the yellow brick road to star alongside Pele, George Best and Johan Cruyff in the 1970s.
Arran’s hero Gordon Banks – the 1966 World Cup winning England stopper – played two last seasons in the United States for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in 1977 and 1978, despite only having vision in one eye.
Arran said: “This is a massive opportunity, and I’m really looking forward to it.
“I’ll be able to play football most days, and as well as a degree, there is the possibility of turning professional in America or become a coach.”
The move to the US is the latest step in a 12-year career for the 17-year-old.
Lyall began playing for Arbroath Lads Club at the age of five, and for the past two years he has been taking to the field for Arbroath Vics.
However, it was an unexpected call up just over a year ago that put him on the road to Kansas.
John Clifford, of Five Star Football events, said: “The Old Firm Legends were due to play at Forfar but the Rangers keeper was injured the day before, and after making inquiries, Arran’s name was put forward.
“He was outstanding in that game and we invited him to stay on, and he’s been outstanding in every game since.
“He’s been on a strict fitness regime, and if he maintains his progress, he really could go all the way in America.”
In the past year, Arran has travelled more than 21,000 miles to play for Rangers, Celtic, Hibs, Hearts, Dundee and Dundee United and Scotland.
He has appeared with Old Firm legends including Marvin Andrews, Ian Ferguson and Frank McAvennie, raising money for charity at the same time.