A PLUCKY Ealing football ace has jet set to America to play College Soccer.

Alfie Hipwell, who has just finished his BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma, has now set off to the States to play full-time soccer while studying for a degree to become a journalist. 

The 18-year-old was offered a soccer scholarship by Presentation College in South Dakota having been successfully placed by Sporting Solutions.

The former Ealing United player attended the 2015 Sporting Solutions Sports Showcase in Daytona Beach, Florida.

“I got introduced with many universities soccer coaches at the Showcase and got lots of different offers,” said Alfie, of Elers Road.

“I chose Presentation College after discussing the soccer team with the coach. 

“They made me an offer that reduced the tuition fees and my living costs by 50%, while also giving me the opportunity to play full-time soccer and gain practical work experience in my preferred field.

“It seems like the perfect fit and I can’t wait to get started!”

The international sports showcase takes place each July and gives 200 athletes from more than 20 different countries the opportunity to play live in front of US college coaches.

The showcase gives student-athletes a unique experience of what university life in America is like, as they spend nine days living on a university campus along with the exposure needed to earn them a sports scholarship.

Alfie, who also played for Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, was offered a place on Sporting Solutions’ scholarship programme due to his good sporting ability and his strong academic track record.

He will now be able to train and compete full-time while he works towards his degree.

He said: “This is an amazing opportunity to combine my degree and take my game to the next level.”

Sporting Solutions director Harry Newton said: “The Presentation Coach made a great effort to recruit Alfie, after seeing him play live in Florida he then even travelled to London to meet with Alfie’s family and speak through the process in more detail.

“We currently have more than 50 European soccer players playing at the college level in America an can’t wait to track Alfie’s success.”

College sport in America is often the route into the professional sport, with many of America’s most famous athletes having experience playing at the college level.

For those that do not make it into the professional game, they still have a university level background to fall back on upon graduation.

Places are now available for the 2017 Sports Showcase, and interested players should register their interest online at: www.Sporting-Solutions.com

Sport scholarship opportunities are currently available for soccer, basketball, tennis and golf.