Year 11 students Elle Shelton, Joe Atkins, Dylan O’Sullivan and year 12 student Teejay Hoch were invited by the NSW Soccer Association to trial for the National Scouting Report (NSR) in May.

The NSR is a high school and scouting college recruiting organisation operating across America as well as in Australia, Canada, Puerto Rico, Australia, New Zealand and Nicaragua.

Since 1980, American college coaches have depended on NSR to present them with quality prospects to evaluate and recruit.

In Australia, students in years 11 and 12 and first year at university are able to trial in their respective sports.

Elle Shelton said there were 70 soccer players at the Hunter trials.

“From the trial 35 were selected, and after an interview process, 20 were finally chosen,” the Clarence Town resident said.

Although currently injured and not playing this year, Elle plays for the 18s mixed Clarence Town team while Joe, Dylan and Teejay play for Dungog under 18s.

Elle, Joe and Dylan will head to America in August 2012, after they have finished their Higher School Certificate.

Unfortunately, Deejay, who is currently undertaking his year 12 studies, is unable to go.

“I would be leaving in August this year but I just don’t have the money to go,” he said.

“It is a $5000 sign-on fee and then you have to have money to live as well and I just don’t have time to raise it.

“It’s very disappointing as it would have been exciting to play over there.”

The students will all complete a degree while in America, with Elle interested in physiotherapy, Dylan to undertake a civil engineering degree while Joe is unsure at this stage.

Teejay would have chosen to study physical education.

“The colleges choose who they want to have play for them and depending on how good our academic and sporting achievements are, they will fund the scholarship between 80 and 100 per cent,” Dylan said.

“I always wanted to play soccer professionally and this is a big opportunity for me.”

Elle said she would like to eventually come back to Australia and play for the Matildas.

“A few of the Matildas have done the same thing . . . so I am hoping I might be lucky too,” she said.