Jon Stephenson, who spent the 2009-10 season at Atherton LR, is heading off in August to take up a 2 year soccer scholarship in the USA.

The University of Incarnate Word, based in San Antonio, Texas, made the offer after watching Jon play for LR and it comes just as he has completed studying at Edge Hill University where he was captain of the football team.  He is due to graduate in July with a 2:1 classification in Coach Education & Participation Development.

Jon's dad Colin explained:  "A coach from the university came to watch Jon on two occasions, in the Goldline semi final against Prestwich Heys and in the league game against Abbey Hey, and luckily for him, he scored in both games. 

"The university have offered him a soccer scholarship and the chance to study a 2 year Masters Degree in Sport Management, which he has accepted and he now cannot wait to go out there.  

"He has just booked his flights and leaves on August 12th as pre season begins on the 16th.  His next step is to go to the American Embassy in London and obtain his visa, and he also has to do the niggly bits such as obtain insurance.

"This is a great achievement for him and shows the rest of the young players playing in the Vodkat League that you never know who is in the crowd watching".

Jon has played in the Vodkat League for the last 3 seasons and is known to most of team mates, officials and opponents as "Crouchy" due to him being 6ft 5in in height.  He started his Vodkat League career with Darwen before spending the second half of the season with Bacup Borough.  He then moved to Ramsbottom United for a season before joining Atherton LR.

LR manager Dave Hughes says he was delighted to hear Jon's news.

"Jon is an absolute diamond of a lad, who did a great job for us last season.  He scored goals in crucial games for us towards the end of the season, that played a big part in helping us avoid relegation.

"He was great to have around the dressing room as well, and we will miss his presence both on and off the field, but I'm absolutely delighted that he has this opportunity and everyone at the club wishes him all the best".