FOOTBALL: Dan makes move to USA university

Dan Dougill heads to America today on a four-year scholarship.

The 19-year-old will join William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri, to combine his studies alongside full-time training and playing for the Owls team.

Dougill is on the road to recovery from a double leg fracture in January when playing for Holbeach United.

He said: “The first year will be based on English, maths and science but I’m hoping to do a business administration degree.

“The different lifestyle appeals to me and I’ve wanted to do this since I was young. I know a few people who went to study in America and it’s a great opportunity.

“My family have been so supportive all the way through this. We never wanted to change my plans, even when I broke my leg.

“I can’t wait to get there because it will be a great experience. I’ve lived around this area since the age of three and now I’ll see what life is like on the other side of the world.”

Dougill left Spalding Grammar School to join the sixth form at Spalding High School before working over the last year until his injury.

He added: “I applied for university here as a back-up in case I didn’t get any offers from the USA.

“But since breaking my leg, I haven’t been able to work because I was focused on getting back as fit as I can.

“The rehabilitation with physiotherapist Lee Taylor started the week after it happened.

“I’m still two months ahead of schedule, although I had an issue with a tendon so I had a second operation recently.

“I was worried that I would never play again. Now I’m looking to get back on the pitch in a few months.”

Former Spalding High School student Jeorgia Carr is also going to the USA through PASS4Soccer.

She will have a four-year scholarship at Texas A&M Commerce University, playing for the Lions team.

Carr said: “I chose to study in the USA because women’s football is at a higher level than in the UK and it’s a big opportunity.

“I am most looking forward to combining playing football and studying my course.”