Two Sports Coaching and Performance students from North Kent College have been awarded prestigious football scholarships to study and play in the United States.

Frankie Shaw and Alfie Moynihan, both 17 and based at the college’s Dartford campus, will be heading stateside this summer - Shaw to Pratt Community College in Kansas and Moynihan to Jamestown Community College in New York.

They will do so after they impressed in a trial held at the college by UK-based scholarship agency Global Sports Relations.

“It’s been a whirlwind,” said Shaw. “They came into college and ran a trial session.

“They watched us play and, if you were good enough, you’d go through a Zoom call to find out more.

“Then, they put together football clips to send to coaches in the US.

“After that, it all moved really quickly.”

For both, it’s the realisation of a lifelong dream and a reward for years of hard work, on and off the pitch.

“My college in Kansas has us training twice a day,” explained defender Shaw. “In the morning, it’ll be a gym session and, in the afternoon, it’ll be a football session and that’s every day.

“Then, Wednesday and Saturdays there are games so we travel for them and, between all of that, we have classes.

“It’s full-on but it’s what I’ve always wanted.”

The scholarships cover a large portion of their tuition, accommodation and even some meals, books and health insurance, which makes it a truly life-changing opportunity.

Attacker Moynihan said: “My schedule includes 13 hours of classes a week, five training sessions and two matches.

“It’s a proper league set-up and, depending on how we do, we can qualify for regional and national tournaments.”

Neither has visited their future campus yet but both have had virtual tours and spoken with team-mates abroad.

“It’s really international,” Moynihan said. “I’m the only English player at my college, although there are a few people from the UK, mainly from Scotland.

“It’s exciting, I’m ready for it.”

Their journeys started at North Kent College where both have spent the past two years developing their skills.

“I’ve always wanted to come here,” said Shaw.

“I had a football tournament when I was in Year 6 - and that was it!”

Moynihan said: “I came to an open day in Year 10 and I just knew this was where I wanted to be.

“It’s not like school. The lecturers treat you like an adult but they still support you all the way.

“They help you out, have a bit of banter, and make college feel enjoyable.

“But they make sure the work gets done, too.”

With both pupils preparing to fly out in July, excitement is building.

“I’d love to play professionally,” Shaw revealed.

“That’s the dream but, if not, I’d be happy coaching or becoming a PE teacher.”

For Moynihan, it’s a similar vision.

He said: “I’ve always wanted to work in sport, coaching, teaching or whatever comes my way.

“This is a huge step in that direction.”

John Mullins, head of curriculum for Sports Coaching & Performance, added: “This is a very exciting and great opportunity for both Frankie and Alfie to further their football and academic pathways.

“GSR have been great with the boys, and other students who have attended sessions nationwide.

“Frankie and Alfie have done very well and I’m sure they will excel in their football and education once they start their new life in the USA.”

North Kent College’s Sports Coaching and Performance courses give pupils access to top-class facilities, including a large multi-purpose sports hall, three sports fields and a strength and conditioning room and their fitness suite.

Courses also offer access to the NKC Football Academy for boys’ and girls’ teams.

Students wishing to improve their skills have access to three training sessions per week.

Fixtures are Wednesdays in the under-18 Kent KSFA League.

Visit northkent.ac.uk/courses/sports-coaching-and-performance to find out more about North Kent College’s Sports Coaching and Performance courses.