On-the-ball students from York College Football Academy are jetting off to the other side of the Atlantic to enhance their football careers.

Seven newly qualified coaches will spend eight weeks coaching children in Calgary, Canada, while Charlene Woodward has become the star of her very own Bend it Like Beckham story after winning a prestigious scholarship to Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

Woodward, 18, has been at the Women's Football Development Centre for two years, helping them to two regional cup triumphs while also completing sports qualifications and is currently finishing 'A'-levels in chemistry, PE and psychology. But in August, she will fly out to America to take her place on a four-year criminal justice course, and as part of her scholarship package, will play for the high-flying Lady Reds in the Lone Star Conference.

Assistant coach Jamie Rank said: "Charlie has been a joy to coach over the last two years and has natural ability on the ball, but has also worked really hard on other aspects of her game such as her fitness levels and technical awareness and this hard work has paid off for her with her scholarship acceptance.

"Everyone connected with the centre wishes Charlie all the best for her new life in America."

Meanwhile, seven other students are getting ready to fly to Canada to coach children aged six to 16. All seven are qualified at levels one and two of the FA scheme, and have been recruited with thanks in part to centre director Gordon Staniforth's relationship with Mike Thorpe of All Sports Athletics.

Thorpe said: "When recruiting for this year, the York College students were outstanding. We all hope this opportunity will lead to bigger and better things for them."

Updated: 09:58 Saturday, June 26, 2004