A Salford City College student is preparing to swap Pendleton for Louisiana after securing a football scholarship in the United States.

Oliver Farrell, 18, who played for the college’s MUFC football team, has been accepted onto a football scholarship at Louisiana State University Eunice (LSUE), where he will study Architecture while competing in the university’s football programme.

The opportunity comes after a difficult period for the teenager, whose original plans to move abroad were put on hold following a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes.

Speaking about the setback, Oliver said: “When I found out, I felt a range of emotions because I’d been speaking to other universities and was close to signing with another university, but after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes it was all put on hold.

“So when I got offered the scholarship at LSUE, I was relieved and very excited.”

Oliver is due to move to America next month and says he is looking forward to embracing a completely new experience overseas.

He added: “I’m looking forward to having a totally different experience, learning about new cultures and meeting new people. However, the thing I’m most excited for is to play football and live out my dream.”

Everyone at Salford City College Group has wished Oliver the very best as he prepares to begin the next chapter of his journey in the United States.