American adventure for Ballyclare player Griffith

LOCAL teenager Peter Griffith better get used to saying soccer instead of football.

For the central defender, a product of the Ballyclare Comrades youth system, this week set off on an American adventure as part of a four-year academic and sports scholarship in Tennessee.

The Ballyclare lad, who captained the Comrades under 18s squad last season, will study for a sport-related Major at King's College University while taking a place in the college team, having applied through Sporting Chance USA. His tuition fees, accommodation, food and insurance will be paid for as part of his scholarship.

'Soccer' in the USA has come on in leaps and bounds in the last decade and now boasts a strong national side as well as a high-profile league, bolstered by global stars including David Beckham and Thierry Henry.

And Peter said he simply couldn't resist the lure of being coached at world class facilities.

"I had heard that there were excellent opportunities to be had in the US College system, and I thought I would like to give it a try," he said. "The great thing about playing in America is that you get to train six days a week at some of the best facilities in the world, and at the end of it, you come out with a full degree, which will help me with my future career. Sporting Chance USA told me that I would have a great chance of gaining a scholarship award and that has been the case."

Peter began playing at the age of six representing local junior clubs. He has captained his school team and has won numerous awards at both local and county school level. As skipper of the Comrades under 18s, he helped the club to a third place finish in the Foyle Cup Tournament in 2009.

He studied for his A-Levels at Slemish College.

As he settles in the USA he will join his new team-mates for what promises to be a tough pre-season programme.

The US College soccer season begins at the end of August and the players are immediately faced with a two game per week programme.

Related topics: