A KILBIRNIE footballer is jetting off to the United States on a soccer scholarship this week.

An ex-Kilbirnie Ladeside, Dalry Colts and Ardrossan Athletic player, Sean Beaton (18) secured the scholarship with Waldorf College in Iowa where he will play football for the next four years alongside his degree in Physical Education and Health.

A former pupil of St Bridget’s Primary School and St Matthew’s Academy, Sean started to apply online for soccer scholarships in the US back in 2008, at the time still in fifth year of high school. Getting in touch with FirstPointUSA - who recruited him for the spell abroad - Sean was invited to an interview at their head office in Glasgow before playing a recorded trial game from which he was selected as amongst the most impressive players.

Before being accepted into a US college, the programme required Sean to pass an American entrance exam - the SAT’s (Scholastic Assessment Test) - on which he scored a respectable 960.

A representative from FirstPointUSA commented: “FirstPointUSA initially became involved with Sean after he applied online and attended an interview and trial. After a successful trial FirstPoint then represented Sean and guided him through the recruitment process and negotiated a scholarship on his behalf. We are very pleased for Sean as this is a wonderful opportunity for him to progress his football and academics.” Having had previous interest from a New York institution, the Kilbirnie teen was contacted by Waldorf College - whose soccer programme is led by ex-professional Brazilian soccer player Fabio dos Santos - in November 2009 and commmitted himself to the huge life change in February of this year.

For the full story see this week's Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.