Texas is Baker's next football destination

He follows in the footsteps of Bede’s alumni including Tom Collins, Rex Lane and Sam Bickersteth who have all continued their footballing journey in the US.

He said: “I’m really proud and excited. I’ve been dreaming of this for about four years and I’ve had to work really hard for it.

“You have to put together loads of videos of your matches and keep in constant contact with the coaches. I was able to include our unbeaten run in the Hudl League as well as my matches representing the national ISFA team.

“At one point I was emailing updates and videos to over 20 universities that had shown an interest. It was my responsibility to keep in contact with all the coaches; a lot of the time you don’t hear anything back, so you just have to stay focused.”

Bede’s director of football David Caryer said, “Jake is someone who has embraced the Team Bede’s values and has particularly shown discipline, an outstanding level of self-motivation and independent attitude to his training and academics.”

Baker said he first spoke to the coach at Trinity a year ago via Ethos recruiting, who had been a great help.

Buckswood School starlet signs for San Jose Earthquakes.

“It helped that he is English and could meet me in person later in the year. Although there were other offers, I felt like he was committed to me – it felt like the right move.”

Baker has had to fight his way into the Bede’s side. “In my lower fifth year I was told I would be playing in the second XI, but I asked Mr Caryer what I would need to do to make it into the first team.

“He explained the things I would need to improve upon and I worked so hard on my game and made huge improvements. During a pre-season tour in Valencia, I got one shot playing for the firsts and I took it.”

Baker said he’d enjoyed working hard on his football.

“I’ve always had great support from the school and Mr Caryer has really believed in me. The whole coaching team have been there for me too.”

Baker has also had to focus on his academic work.

Baker added:“I have been on a real journey at Bede’s – with both my football and academic studies . To leave Bede’s as the 1st team captain means so much.”