MIKE'S TAKING US ROUTE TO PRO GAME

Solar coach Kevin Smith was impressed with Duffell when his side were on a tour of Europe last year and offered Duffell the chance to go to Texas and try out for his team.

Duffell, 18, who attended St Andrew's High School and Worthing College, and was the pride of BN Wanderers Youth, said: "At the beginning of June 2004, I came over for a trial and was asked to sign on after two training sessions.

"The club then found me a team member's family to live with, called the Walkers, who I now see as my own family. Without them, this would not be possible.

"There was no hesitation in my decision to come here, as through my ability to play football, I have the opportunity to earn myself an excellent education through a scholarship.

"Also, I believed this opportunity would help me to become a better player which is what I try to achieve every season.

"I hope to become a professional footballer at some level as I know I have the ability to do so. As well as this, I would like to get back into coaching of any type."

For more on Mike Duffell's career in America, see this week's Worthing Herald.