Goalie Jamie heads for Independence

Jul 8 2011 by Iain Howie, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A PERTH footballer has been awarded a top sports scholarship to attend Independence Community College in Kansas, USA.

Aviva staff member Jamie Harrison, (22), who currently plays for Methven Amateurs, will travel to America next month as he looks to further develop both his academic and athletic ability.

Jamie, who plays in goal, will train and play for Independence as well as studying for his degree in Athletic Training.

Jamie secured his scholarship through Glasgow-based FirstPoint USA, the largest sports scholarship consultants in the world.

He told the PA he saw a poster for FirstPoint USA but initially didn’t think he was good enough. But, after some more thought, applied and found out he was successful following trials at the Stenhousemuir football ground in Stirlingshire.

Even then he thought his dream was beyond him: “I thought I had totally missed my chance because I managed to give away tow penalties in my trial, but I got an email a few weeks later saying I was in.”

Saints fan Jamie aims to follow in the footsteps of former goalie Alan Main.

“I grew up supporting and watching St. Johnstone – Roddy Grant and Alan Main were my heroes growing up. I always went Alan Main when me and my pals played “cuppy” when we were younger.”

And he says he’s had support from his family and friends for his next steps.

“My friends are really excited for me, probably because they have got the idea in their head that they can come on holiday and have free digs. My family have been beyond supportive, my mum especially has been great and my dad hasn't stopped doing back flips since it was all confirmed, probably because he is finally getting me out the house!”

FirstPoint USA uses its extensive network of colleges and coaches in the US and acts as an intermediary between talented athletes and college coaches.

Jamie added: “The opportunity to study in a different country especially one with as much emphasis on education like the States is amazing and I am thankful for companies like FirstPoint USA who open the door for people to do this.”

Grant MacKenzie from FirstPoint USA said: “We wish Jamie all the best in his new career. American colleges are keen to attract the very best sporting talent from across the world and our experience and long standing relationships with over 2,500 colleges right across the country lets us provide the very best advice to any young athlete who has aspirations of improving their sporting ability and education.”

Scholarships are regularly awarded to students with skills in football, tennis, golf and athletics as well as swimming, hockey and ten pin bowling.

The concept behind US sports scholarships is quite simple; it provides talented amateur sportsmen and women with an opportunity to pursue both an academic and athletic career simultaneously.