KILMARNOCK star Rhian Dodds reckons MailSport’s The Graduate contest is a winner and admits he’d encourage any talented young Scot to try their luck in America.
The Rugby Park midfielder has first-hand experience of a football scholarship in the US.
He spent four years studying in the States, completing his degree in Computer Science AND earning his big move to Kilmarnock in 2003.
The 26-year-old hasn’t looked back and is a key member of Jim Jefferies’ impressive squad.
Dodds hopes more kids can follow in his footsteps and has lent his full support to our terrific competition.
We have two stunning scholarships up for grabs courtesy of College Soccer USA. A boy and girl will both be heading Stateside if they impress our experts in nutrition, fitness, education and, of course, football skills.
And Dodds admits he tells Killie’s current crop of YTS kids to set their sights on America if they’re released by gaffer Jefferies in the summer.
He said: “I had two years in New York City at St John’s University then transferred to Pittsburgh for the next two.
“It was an amazing experience and I’d recommend it to anyone.
“At St John’s we had more than 300 people turning up to watch our games and the facilities and equipment were second to none.
“I got my degree - which gives me something to fall back on - as well as improving as a footballer at the same time.
“Eventually Ian Durrant came over to see a friend, spotted me in a game and told Kilmarnock about me.
“I had a trial and the club signed me until the end of that season - so everything worked out perfectly.
“If they get freed at the end of the season the YTS boys at Rugby Park should seriously think about going to America.”
College Soccer USA has contacts at more than 3000 colleges and universities in the States and for a small management fee will sort out all the paperwork.
But our lucky winners will get it for FREE and the boy and girl chosen for the coveted scholarships will be announced in January.
(c) 2006 Sunday Mail; Glasgow (UK). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
Source: Sunday Mail; Glasgow (UK)
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