AN OXENHOPE footballer is appealing for help in his bid to fulfil a dream career move to the United States.

Will Wells had five offers of places at colleges in America after impressing in trials with Sports Recruiting USA in what he hopes will lead to coaching or playing opportunities.

But the Guiseley youth and Oxenhope Recreation centre back has to raise £4,500 a year, plus living costs, for the four years needed to study for a degree across the Atlantic, and is appealing for sponsorship.

Wells, who has opted for Middle State Georgia College in Macon, which is soon expected to become a university, said: “I signed up to Sports Recruiting USA last year and since then have taken a SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) exam in York and attended showcase events and collected video footage in order to put together a profile of me for the American coaches to look at.

“I would be hoping to head out to America in August, when I turn 18, but the only thing stopping me are the funds, and I have only managed to raise £400 so far of the £4,500 I need for my first year.”

Will, who won the West Riding County FA Youth Cup with Wharfedale FA last season and previously played for Queensbury Celtic Juniors and Oakworth Juniors before moving to Guiseley, also received offers from Ohio Valley University, University of Mount Olive in North Carolina, University of Rio Grande in Ohio and Davis and Elkins College in West Virginia.

But the former Oxenhope Primary School and Oakbank High School pupil, who had a spell at Bradford City’s development centre and also studied at Shipley College as part of his scholarship with Vanarama Conference North side Guiseley, said: "I opted for Middle State Georgia as it was only founded in 2013 and is therefore pretty much a brand new university where all the facilities are really good."

To offer any sponsorship or help with Will’s dream, he can be contacted on 07592-087543 or at willwells.ww@googlemail.com.