Scholarship chance for college programme graduate.
Participating in Colchester United's Football College programme at Thurstable has provided one young footballer with the chance to play football in America.
Llewellyn Evans has been part of the U's football programme for 16-18 year olds based at Thurstable School.
And, having successfully completed that programme and assisted with coaching in the Football in the Community programme, he is now off to the States to attend the University of Science and Arts in Oklahoma.
"I'd been looking around for opportunities after the college programme and had trials with United Sports USA, who specialise in getting scholarships for young footballers," Llewellyn told the club's official website.
"I fly out on Saturday to start a four year PE degree and I am hoping it will provide me with the platform to play football out there and potentially break through into the MLS.
"It will be a big step for me, but I have been really fortunate to have the support of my parents over the last few years and I would like to thank them for helping me out with everything."
Llewellyn has had an association with the U’s previously, having had trials for the Development Centres when he was 13.
However, despite that setback, he tried again when he was 16 for the Football College programme and is now one of the scheme's most successful students.
Corin Haines, Community Manager, said: "He was a very quiet lad when he first started, but has grown immensely in his time with us.
"After his first year, he was one of the stronger players in the group and showed a real interest in coaching.
"He did his coaching awards, was made captain in his second year and even stayed on for a third year whilst working for the Football in the Community programme.
"He has been a real success in so much as he overcame that original setback and now he is probably one of the best players we've ever had in the programme."
Everyone at the club would like to wish Llewellyn the best of luck with his football in the future. We'll have details online soon about how you can follow in his footsteps in the Football College programme.