A FORMER graduate of the York City academy is set for a fantastic opportunity across the world after exiting an English Football League club.

Ryan Edmondson, who played for York's academy from 2015 to 2017, is set to join a club in Australia after leaving Carlisle United this afternoon.

The 22-year-old striker has become an established EFL striker, appearing for the likes of Carlisle, Port Vale, Northampton Town and Fleetwood Town after joining Leeds United from City in 2017.

Edmondson became the Minstermen's third youngest-ever player in the club's history at 16 years and 140 days, making his debut for York in a 2-1 victory over Brackley Town in the Vanarama National League North.

The Press' sister title The News & Star has reported that Edmondson is set to re-unite with a former Leeds United coach, Mark Jackson, at A-League side Central Coast Mariners.

Carlisle boss Paul Simpson commented on Edmondson's pending Australia switch, saying: “This is something that has been going on for a while but I only found out about it when it was quite far down the line.

"I heard that Ryan had ended the lease on his apartment in Carlisle and moved out which surprised me a little bit.

"After speaking to him, this opportunity has come for him to go over to Australia and he wants to do it.

"The fact that he's moved out of his apartment tells me his head is already there.

"I'm led to believe he's going to Central Coast Mariners and he's working with a coach who he knows from his time at Leeds.

"Ryan has been a decent servant for the club although it probably hasn't worked out how we all would have wanted it to.

"Sometimes you have to take your selfish head off. I've got to do what's right for the football club but I also have to do what's right for people as well.

"He's made the decision that he wants the next stage of his career to be in Australia so we've agreed to let him go."