History made as East Kilbride teenager chases the American dream

Lindsayfield teenager Chris Neilson this year became the youngest player and the first Scot to score for US side USC Union in their history.

Neilson, 17, scored in a 4-0 win over USC Salkehatchie, having quickly integrated into the first team, which plays in the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) Division One, having secured a two-year scholarship at the University of South Carolina.

Dad Dave says Chris had to be persuaded to even talk to agents Future Pro USA, but realised it was a great opportunity, and says it will be “life-changing” for his son.

Dave says Chris may pursue an academic life in the States, rather than playing, but has time on his side.

He said: “In March we knew there was a company called Future Pro USA, who were holding a session at Ainslie Park in Edinburgh, home of Spartans.

“I cajoled and convinced Chris that it might be a good idea to go along and see what it’s like.

“Reluctantly, he went along, sat through the presentation for the first half-hour and thought ‘this is great, this is like playing for Chelsea, having school for a few hours and training in the afternoon – it’s like a professional football club.

“He had the trial, it went well, within a week we were asked if we wanted to join up and they thought he was good enough to play in Division One of the NJCAA.

“Within about two weeks, one of the schools had actually reached out to us and said they would like to sign Chris up.

“It happened very quickly, strangely enough Future Pro USA suggested that Chris was maybe a little bit too young and should wait a year, but he was adamant that he wanted to go and do it now.

“He was over there on July 17 and he’s been there ever since.”

Dave added: “One of the things we find with