A LOCAL sports star of the future has won a prestigious scholarship in North America.

York College student Joe Kemp, a defender for York City FC under-18s, will be joining the University of New Brunswick, in Canada, in August.

He will play for the university’s soccer team, alongside his business studies course for the next four years.

Joe, 18, of Osbaldwick, was aided in his successful application by PASS4Soccer Scholarships, a scheme for students seeking to enter a North American university soccer programme.

Joe said: “The university stood out to me both academically and athletically.

“The soccer programme is professionally run and I feel it will continue to challenge me and help me grow further as a player and as a person.

He was spotted by the coaching staff in Canada after they saw video footage of him taking part in a coach showcase hosted by PASS4Soccer.

The scheme’s director, Daniel Gray, said: “Joe was introduced to us through our partnership with League Football Education (LFE) and we are delighted he will head to Canada to continue his education and football development.

“Joe will be an asset to the university on and off the pitch. [It] is a quality school academically and we have sending players there for a number of years.”

For more details about the scheme and upcoming assessment days go to pass4soccer.com or phone 0191 229 5236.