SARAH Tomlinson is chasing her American dream after clinching a football scholarship at a top university.

The 18-year-old from Clitheroe flew out two weeks ago to begin a six-year course at the American International College in Massachusetts.

The former Ribblesdale High School pupil will get the chance to further her studies in physiotherapy while playing top level football in the States.

Sarah, who also went to Brookside Junior School, is hoping to play her first game in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Second Division when the season kicks off in two weeks time.

Her new team have already played a number of friendly matches but Sarah has been unable to feature as she has yet to receive her international clearance'.

Mum Lynn has obvious mixed emotions about her daughter flying off to American but is delighted she has finally realised her dream.

"This is something Sarah has always wanted to do and we are all really pleased for her," said Lynn who is secretary of Burnley Girls and Ladies FC for whom Sarah also played for.

"This is a unique opportunity for her because six year scholarships are pretty hard to come by. It really is a dream come true for Sarah."

She added: "It is quite difficult to cope with at the moment because she has only recently left but we keep in constant contact via email and the telephone."

Sarah, who played for Clitheroe Wolves for two years, has followed in the footsteps of Dannielle Cooper and Sam Cook - two of her former team-mates at Burnley Girls and Ladies FC.

Lynn said: "Sarah is a few years younger than Dannielle and Sam but has always been interested to see how they were doing. Now she is out there studying and playing football herself."

Sarah, who is a Level One coach after coaching both Burnley Under 12s and 13s, got the opportunity to play in America after she was spotting playing for Myerscough College where she was studying football studies.

A scout from First Point USA saw Sarah, who plays on the right wing, in action for the Myerscough team that reached the national finals in Sheffield last year.

l Burnley Girls and Ladies FC runs teams from Under 10s to Open Age and anyone interested in playing should contact Lynn Tomlinson on 01200 427079.