Ace James to live the American dream

Bexhill College student and Little Common footballer James Vaughan has been awarded a scholarship to the United States

James Vaughan’s success has been recognised with a prestigious full scholarship to Northwood University in Michigan, United States.

He said: “To get a scholarship is an amazing achievement, but to get a full scholarship is beyond what I thought I could achieve.”

The scholarship will enable Vaughan to study sports management over four years and play in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division Two.

Rob Wratten, of Bexhill College, said: “His strong performances for the college side and commitment to succeed led him to be put forward for Sussex Schools’ trials.

“His confidence and maturity during the trials resulted in James being selected to represent Sussex under- 18s where he was promoted to county captain and led them to win the National Cup.”

During Vaughan’s time at Bexhill College he has been captain of the first team and helped them win the East Sussex Under-19 League and County Cup, as well as helping the college academy team to finish second in the National League and reach the last 16 of the National Cup.

It was during Vaughan’s time playing for Sussex Schools that coaches Dave Hall and Luke Hampton put him forward for England Schoolboys trials and here he met with a company which deals with football scholarships to America.

Vaughan played his youth football for Little Common over a number of years. He later joined Eastbourne Borough reserves and Eastbourne Town’s first team before returning to Common’s front side earlier this year.

Common player-manager Russell Eldridge said: “Anyone who gets a scholarship to America is very fortunate. I’m sure he’s a grateful recipient of that and he will do very well. He’s very dedicated and will work very hard to achieve his goals over there.”

See tomorrow’s Bexhill Observer for the full article.