A SLALEY soccer star has scored a Stateside scholarship.

Tom Joyce (18) will be an Indian for the next four years after signing up for a soccer scholarship which has seen him switch the Tyne Valley for Catawba College, located in North Carolina.

The teenage defender, part of Ryton and Crawcrook Albion's quadruple winning U18 side last season, will play for Catawba Indians while carrying out a joint major in biology and environmental sciences.

Tom, the son of Newcastle United's academy director Joe, a former professional with Barnsley, Scunthorpe United and Carlisle United, secured the deal through PASS4Soccer Scholarship Network, impressing in the US Coach Showcase at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre.

He said: "I just wanted a new experience, and the opportunity to live in a different country and experience a different culture, while continuing my studies and playing football, was not one to be missed.

"Add to this the opportunity of a scholarship and the package on offer from USA Universities, and it is an excellent option. I feel very fortunate to be joining Catawba College.

"I am looking forward to living in the USA and embracing the full experience. However, from the sports perspective, I am really looking forward to training on a full-time basis, with my studies fitting into this in a planned way.
"I have loved playing football from the age of five, and I have played with some great players and worked with some fantastic coaches, but being at Catawba, I will be able to focus on my football in a way that has not been possible to date."