A FULWOOD lad is hoping to wow coaches in America when he represents Preston College in an international student tournament in the States

Leonard Reid, 19, is one of a squad of 18 players from Preston College defending their title as champions of the President's Day Tournament.

The team will fly out on Friday, February 7, to San Diego, California, where they will spend four days acclimatising and training for the tournament which is being held in Phoenix, Arizona.

Arsenal fan Leonard, who can play in midfield or up front, played for Preston North End under 11s and under 13s and currently turns out for Preston College, Bradley Wanderers and Kirkham and Wesham.

He said: "I don't have much time for anything else as I play three matches a week and train three times a week. I'm very confident about defending the trophy."

He is studying a two-year diploma in leisure and recreationv and hopes to secure a scholarship while in America.

The college team's first match is a friendly against Club Delsol on February 11, who are coached by former England international Paul Mariner.

Leonard said: "I will play my best as I need to impress if I want to secure a scholarship in America.

"My dream is to play football professionally, if not then I would like to get into tennis coaching as I've been doing that for some time."