ENGLAND women's soccer international Rachel Brown is exporting her skills to the United States where she has been awarded a university scholarship combining degree study with coaching and playing football.

"It's the opportunity of a lifetime to study in America on a sports scholarship and a chance I can't miss," said Rachel, 17, of Todmorden Road, Burnley. "I can't wait to get out there."

Rachel, who is studying three A levels at Nelson and Colne College, is hoping she will be able to carry on playing in goal for England during her four-year American stay.

She is an established member of the first team England women's squad and is also the regular under-18s England team goalkeeper. She has played football in goal since she was eight.

The teenager, who wants to be a physiotherapist, has already spent two summer holidays in Birmingham, Alabama, coaching and playing for the women's team.

She has to decide between Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Massachusetts universities after being offered an unconditional place.

"Women's football is a much bigger sport in America," said Rachel. "A lot of money is being invested in it and a professional league has just started."

In the meantime Rachel will concentrate on her studies at Nelson and Colne.

She also plays in goal for the college's women's hockey team which recently won the British College's Sports North West championship.

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