YORK teenager Jamie Barkway is blazing a footballing trail in the Heartland of America.

The 18-year-old defender was named Heartland Freshman Player of the Year for his exploits with Newman Jets, the football team of Wichita-based Newman University in Kansas.

The Jets finished second in the Heartland Conference to qualify for the play-offs, where their run of success was only halted in the final.

The Heartland Freshman Player of the Year accolade is awarded to the best incoming first year student in the Conference, which comprises 11 teams from the Oklahoma and Texas area.

Barkway was also named in the Conference All-First Team - the best 11 players out of more than 250 in the competition - plus the All-Tournament First Team and the All-Region Second Team.

The former Archbishop Holgate's School pupil was on Hull City's books until the age of 16 but was offered the chance to play in the USA under a scholarship through United Sports USA.

He said: "I was very excited about the opportunity to play for Newman Jets in Wichita after I was awarded a football scholarship through United Sports.

"It wasn't until I arrived in the states that I realised how intense the training and games were, often playing three or four games a week.

"Being a first year player and part of a 24-man squad, I hoped to feature in as many games as possible and I am proud to say that I started 18 of the 19 games we played.

"The team finished second in the Conference, qualifying for the play-offs, but unfortunately we lost in the final."

Barkway scored two goals, including the double overtime match-winner against Rogers State in the final game of the regular season.

The Jets went on to beat St Mary's 1-0 in the play-offs before losing 3-1 to St Edward's in the final in Austin, Texas.

Former Dringhouses defender Barkway, who is studying business at Newman, added: "Receiving the Freshman Player of the Year award is a great honour as it is voted for by all the coaches.

"To then, in my first year, be voted into the Conference team, Conference Tournament team and All-Region team surpassed all my expectations.

"I intend to keep working hard over the next three seasons and develop myself further, with my hope being to play at the highest level I can, either in the States or when I return to the UK after my studies."

Jets coach Cliff Brown paid tribute to Barkway's contribution to the team's success.

"From day one of training, Jamie showed that he was a player with superb ability and athleticism," he said.

"His attitude and approach were fantastic. He is a leader as a freshman, and has a true presence on the field.

"This was truly an impressive first year but we have much higher goals for him and the team for the upcoming years."

Andy Newman, director of sport at United Sports USA, said: "I have had the pleasure of working with young student athletes for the last 12 years and Jamie’s first year ranks among the best first year stories to date.

"Jamie worked with United Sports USA last year and we secured a soccer scholarship in America for him with Newman University in Kansas.

"Last year, the team only won one match the entire season. This year, they won 13, lost five and drew one, giving the their best season since 2002. Jamie was a huge part of this success."