Former King's Lynn Elite footballer and Downham Market Academy student Emre Tursucu on American scholarship

Teenager Emre Tursucu is one of two talented young footballers to have been offered scholarships to play in America.

Emre (pictured right) and Sol Goodby are jetting to the States in September where they will play college football for two years before graduating to university.

The pair were talent spotted by a respected football scout who has already placed seven former CRC students within American universities.

Emre, 18, of Upwell, is going to Pratts Community College in Kansas. Sol, 19, of Ramsey, is going to Coastal Bend College in Texas.

Both have just completed sports studies course at Cambridge Regional College (CRC).

Tom Hall, Sports Studies tutor at CRC, said: “Sol reads the game well, has good leadership qualities and is confident. He is a great character and through his time with us has developed educationally and as a footballer. He captained the college team when we won the College League and when we played the Dubai International Super Cup.

“Emre is a powerhouse in the midfield. He is the engine in the middle and works hard. He is a good honest player with a fantastic attitude to the game. We will miss them both but we are also really excited for their future careers.”

Emre began playing football at about the age of seven when he joined the Outwell youth team. He then progressed to Hungate Rovers in Emneth and on to Downham. He had stints playing for King's Lynn Elite and also Norfolk County.

The former Downham Market Academy student said: “My plan was to join Cambridge United, I never dreamt I could be going to America. My goal now is to be drafted into an American team.”

He added: “The tutors at college bring out the best in people. They have helped us progress with amazing support and enthusiasm.”