FIVE talented footballers from Priestley College look set for a golden opportunity ‘across the Pond.’

The college took 17 of its brightest footballing prospects to Long Island to compete in a tournament in front of more than 250 talent scouts from American colleges as part of its links with Soccer Scout USA.

They were the only British team present and won two of their four matches before a 7-1 victory in a friendly match

James Sigsworth attracted plenty of attention with two colleges, including New York Institute of Technology, expressing an interest in him.

The 18-year-old is in his third year at Priestley and plays semi-professionally for North West Counties League side Atherton Collieries.

“For someone like me who wants a future in football it is a great opportunity,” he said.

“The facilities out there are like what you see at a Premiership club here in England.”

Goalkeeper Grace Nelson, who plays for Everton’s under 23s and was one of four female players from Priestley to play for Gold Coast FC, had five coaches express an interest in bringing her Stateside.

“I’ve got another year to think about it, but I can’t fault the experience I had out there,” the former Birchwood Community High School pupil said.

“The stadiums are huge and I would make lots of friends out there. I am sure it would be an unbelievable experience.”

Joe Salter, Tom Jones and Jamie Smith were the other Priestley students to receive interest and they will now weigh up their options.

“There are still hurdles for them all to jump to secure a place, but this trip opened their eyes to the opportunities available to them beyond Warrington and the UK,” Priestley sports tutor Dan Jordan said.

“More than that, they had an incredible time and met some great people.”