SOCCER coaches in The Hills are forging a new career path for elite junior players hopeful of a professional career overseas.
The ACG Football Academy in Dural took eight players to the US last year for the annual US college scholarship trials in Dallas.
Each academy player received offers for full college scholarships with some players receiving multiple offers.
One of those players Stipe Jakovljevic, 19, impressed scouts so much that he was handed 13 college contracts and trials at four English clubs.
Jakovljevic, who plays NSW State League Division One with the Schofields Scorpions, said he was happy with all the opportunities he's been given.
"My aim is to go to Britain and trial with Leeds United, Bradford City, Barnsley and Huddersfield Town who all contacted me," he said.
"The US scholarship trials have been a massive stepping stone for me and I think it will help me get a professional contract."
Academy director and coach Allan Tasses said the US college system offers a new pathway for millions of soccer players around the world hoping to play at a high level.
"As a coach it was a great feeling when the scouts came over to me and said they wanted to give contracts to all of our academy players," Tasses said.
"Our players impressed so much [at the three-day trial] that one scout came over to me within the first hour and wanted to give a contract to one of our girls Michelle Brown."