STUDENT Matthew Parker, of York College, is heading to the USA this summer to take up a prestigious football scholarship.

Parker, a former York City apprentice, is joining St. Edward’s University located in Austin, Texas. He will start in August and combine his University studies with games for the “Hilltopper” soccer team over the next four years.

The scholarship was gained through the assistance of 'PASS4Soccer Scholarships' and Parker hopes to follow in the footsteps of Andrew Fox who graduated from St. Edward’s last summer and signed for League One club Peterborough United.

“I chose to study in the USA as it gave me an opportunity to earn a degree, play football every day to a good standard, and explore a different part of the world," he said. "What I am most looking forward to is playing football for St. Edwards University and living in Texas for the next 4 years.

"I chose St. Edwards because it's located in a great part of America and I believe they can improve me as a player," he added. "St. Edwards is an excellent academic university and I am looking forward to earning a degree there.”

Parker secured his scholarship after impressing in the 'PASS4Soccer US Coach Showcase' held at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre attended by over 50 scouts from the USA including Matt O’Sullivan from St. Edward’s University.

Places in the PASS4Soccer Network Program are now available for students seeking to enter a US university soccer programme in August 2017 and 2018.

PASS4Soccer will be holding trials in London, Birmingham, and Newcastle over the next three months.

For more details, register online at www.PASS4Soccer.com.