A TEENAGER from Wokingham is heading to America after winning a sports scholarship with a top university.

Striker Megan Coutts, 18, impressed during a trial with United Sports USA agency earlier this year and will be jetting off to the States this August to begin her studies.

The former Reading FC Academy star will embark on a four-year degree at Harris-Stowe State University in Missouri where she hopes to continue her footballing progress and also major in chemistry.

She explained: “A friend of mine went to college in America last year and had a great time, so I decided to apply as well.

“I had a trial which was filmed by an agency who then sent footage of me to a load of colleges over there along with my academic results.

“Luckily, I had some offers. I was so happy because it’s something I really want to do. Now I can’t wait to get there and get started.”

Megan has played for a host of local clubs in the area including Reading FC Academy, AFC Charvil, Winnersh Rangers, Reeves Rangers Vixens and most recently Laurel Park Vipers.

She has won the Berks & Bucks County Cup with Reading, scored 32 goals for Charvil in 2011/12 and once netted six times in a match for Reeves Rangers Vixens.

And Megan, who is currently studying at Farnborough Sixth Form College and used to attend Leighton Park School in Reading, dreams of becoming a professional footballer and following in the footsteps of her idols such as England striker and former Reading Women star, Fran Kirby.

“One day I would love to become a professional footballer,” she added. “I follow Reading FC Women closely and Fran Kirby coached us a few times when I was in their Academy.

“I really look up to players like Fran and I would love to be as successful as her one day.”