STUDENT Joshua Bramwell is fast making a name for himself in the beautiful game while living the American dream.

The 22-year-old from Westhoughton has already been listed in the top 10 college keepers in the United States after winning a soccer scholarship to study for his MBA in International Business at the University of Western Alabama.

Having only made his debut at the start of the new academic year, he has been voted league defender of the week as well as achieving the enviable national ranking.

Josh, who graduated in history from Exeter University, said: “I had long held an ambition to study in America, and also to push myself by playing football at the highest level possible.

“On the academic side I had to take an entrance exam for all universities known as a GMAT, then I had to create a video of myself playing across a number of games and circulate that to coaches in the universities that offered the course I wanted, an MBA in International Business.

“I received a number of offers but the Alabama one ticked all the boxes.”

He started playing goalkeeper for Westhoughton Rangers at the age of seven before going on to play for school teams, including the first team at Bolton School for three years, followed by three years at university where Josh was captain of the first team and club president.

More recently he played for Old Bolts when back from university.

Josh said: “I came to the team as the second string keeper, the other keeper having been here last year.

“ I got my chance in the fourth game of the season due to an injury and have been an ever present since.

“ I was awarded League Player of the week on my first weekend of playing and won it again two weeks later, I was happy just playing — to get the award was a real bonus.

“Soccer in the states still ranks fourth in popularity behind American football, baseball and basketball but among the younger generation it is growing.

“Even at college level there are crowds in the thousands.”

In the future Josh said he would like to combine his love of football with his degree and work within a sports management environment.

To those studying abroad, Josh said: “Do it, It is likely that I will be working until I am 75, so a couple of years exploring another culture, widening your horizons and gaining a good qualification cannot do any harm and I think makes you more employable.”