Ryan McEvoy awarded soccer scholarship at American university (From York Press)

Ryan McEvoy awarded soccer scholarship at American university

11:02am Friday 17th August 2012 in Sport By Steve Carroll, Sports reporter

RYAN McEVOY is hoping to make a name for himself Stateside after landing a scholarship with an American university.

The 19-year-old, from Thorpe Willoughby, near Selby , has been awarded a four-year university soccer scholarship at St Ambrose University, in Davenport, Iowa, and will be aiming to thrill crowds in the Collegiate Athletic League.

McEvoy, who played his junior football for Thorpe United in York junior leagues from minis up to under-21 level and has also spent time with Leeds United ’s academy, received several offers after passing the American university SAT exams and attending trial games at Leeds University and at the national sports headquarters in Lilleshall.

Having also turned out for Selby College and played at Dringhouses for the last two seasons, the teenager, who has also received coaching from City Football Development, is excited at a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Dad Andy said his son hopes to learn and develop as a player from the higher expectations and professional level status that American university soccer enjoys, with some games shown live on TV networks.

Having embarked on a strengthening, aerobic and stamina-based fitness regime, with the levels expected far higher than in UK amateur and semi-pro football, McEvoy will have to commit to twice daily fitness and skills sessions as well as long travelling to twice weekly games in the autumn soccer season – while studying for a journalism degree.

St Ambrose endured a difficult 2011 season, with an overall record of four wins and 13 defeats and winning two of their eight games in the Midwest Collegiate Conference.

St Ambrose head coach Jon Mannall has looked internationally to improve their fortunes – declaring a desire to bring in ten players from England, Scotland, the Netherlands and Australia.

Andy McEvoy, an ECB-registered umpire and qualified football referee, said: “I want to thank all of the managers and coaches at Thorpe United, Selby College and latterly, Dringhouses for all of their commitment and support, not just for Ryan but all of the youngsters they have assisted over the years.

“In particular John Carter, Ian Chapman and Darren Yorke at Thorpe and especially Neil Sanderson at Dringhouses who always had 100 per cent faith in Ryan’s abilities.

“Ryan is grateful to all of his former team-mates and coaches for their belief and support for him, where many medals and trophies were enjoyed as a junior player as part of Thorpe’s U14s, U15s, U16s and U19s squads as well as, for one season, the U21s.

“Ryan is looking forward to enjoying the US lifestyle and hopes to gain campus employment in holiday periods with junior soccer coaching and summer camps to support his living expenses and planned travel.”