TALENTED footballers from across the North West will be taking part in a showcase football match in Blackburn - with a possible scholarship at a top American university up for grabs.

The showcase, which has been organised by Elite Soccer Combine, will take place at Witton Park's all-weather pitch on Tuesday, December 12.

Players from colleges in the region, including Blackburn, LFA academies and the the county Under 19s squad have all been invited.

One person who knows all about the benefits of furthering your football and academic education in the States is Ben Callon.

The 23-year-old from Rishton won a scholarship to Rio Grande University in Ohio four years ago and has remained ever since.

"The facilities are some of the best you can play on and rival any of the professional facilities in the UK," said the former St Augustine's High School pupil.

"The experence is the best four years you will spend, playing football and travelling America, while working on a degree."

Ben has remained in America where he is working as an assistant coach while also hoping to break in to the Amercan league.

Scott Morrison is head coach at Rio Grande and will be at Witton Park with representative from other American colleges.

He said: "We have been invited youngsters from Britain to come and study and play football in America for a number of years now and it has been very successful."