ONE of Knutsford’s title-winning stars has been offered the chance of a lifetime to play football ‘across the pond’.

Centre-half Josh Wates has been chosen for a prestigious scholarship to study at Northwood University in Midland, Michigan.

During his four years stateside, the Knutsford Studio School student will also play for the Timberwolves football team.

Wates has made a rapid rise through the ranks with Scott Dignan’s Reds side, making 27 appearances during last season’s Cheshire Football League Premier Division-winning campaign.

He also won the club’s young player of the year award for the second term in a row and has captained his school football team.

Now, though, he is preparing to move to America next month and, although admitting he will miss home, he expressed his excitement about getting started “I can’t wait to join the Timberwolves,” he said.

“The sports facilities in US universities are just incredible and the Timberwolves are a really ambitious team.

“They’ve just had their best ever season [having just been ranked No 9 in the US Universities' second division] and are setting their sights still higher.

“As well as missing my family, my only sadness is that I won’t be able to have too many of America’s famous burgers as they’re probably not allowed under the training regime!”