Amy Tyro has got her eye on the ball when it comes to future success after earning a coveted place at one of the country's top sports universities.

The 18-year-old scored an impressive 114 out of 120 to get a triple distinction in the sport and exercise science national diploma - the equivalent of three top grade 'A'-levels - at York College.

And she is now off to the country's best sports university to take her studies further.

She will have plenty of willing athletes to study, with the FA National Player Development Centre for women footballers closely tied in to the university, as well as some of the best research projects in progress alongside her degree course.

Topics from the college diploma included biomechanics, physiology, diet and nutrition and the effects of exercise, and will give her a massive head start at university while students from 'A'-level routes get to grips with the subject.

Tyro, who also plays for Leeds United ladies reserves at centre-half, combined her studies with football training and had the chance to put her classroom skills into practice as a member of the football development centre.

Gordon Staniforth, York College football development centre co-ordinator, said: "Amy came to York College from Tadcaster Grammar School because she wanted to use her football skills while studying for her national diploma.

"She is a wonderful example to others who would like to do the same. She is very talented, both academically and in football - I am delighted for her."

She said: "Some people think it's college so it's all free time but you have to knuckle down and organise your time. It's all down to your determination.

"I'm not very good in exams so to have a course completely based on assignments really suited me. You also have to work fully for two years whereas with 'A'-levels it's a bit more stop-start.

"I'm really pleased with how I've done. The distinction is like three 'A's. People think that's easy but even to get a merit is tough and that's worth three 'C's."

As well as the academic qualification, Tyro has also passed her Level One coaching certificate and is due to complete level two in January to boost her hopes of going into coaching, possibly in America, in the future.

Updated: 10:45 Friday, July 01, 2005