A FORMER Warrington Town footballer is now one of the top ranked college players in the US.
Tom Corcoran, who studied at Priestley College before heading to Minnesota, is the second highest goal scorer in America – 26 in 20 games – and fourth based on points accumulated for goals and assists. 
The 19-year-old has also twice been selected as “defensive player of the week” for his region despite an injury-hit start to his college football career.
He said; “I was a bit unlucky in my first season with injuries as I broke my nose and dislocated my shoulder twice but with the excellent medical facilities on campus I hardly missed a match.
“I have managed to maintain a regular place in the starting 11 for the past two seasons in a very good team, which I also see as somewhat of a triumph.”
Tom plays and studies at St Scholastica College and decided to cross the Atlantic after advice from Priestley sport tutor Rich Donnelly.
He was studying computer studies, PE, finance and community sports leadership and excelled on Priestley’s football development programme.
Mr Donnelly said: “I’ve worked as a professional coach in the US so was able to give Tom some guidance so that he could select the right university for his future development.”
St Scholastica College has won the regional league for the past two seasons and is aiming to enter the national competition later this month.
If they do, Tom will travel across America competing in matches.
“We train every day, many hours a week both inside and out and play a minimum of two matches per week,” he said.
Tom, who is from Westbrook and played for Warrington Town, Cromwell Athletic and Rylands, will be in America for four years.
The former Great Sankey High School pupil had to take academic exams before securing his place at St Scholastica College and standards are as high in the classroom as on the pitch.
After studying a range of subjects he is now following a degree in management.
He said: “I am happy with the way my studies and results have gone so far but the college is really strict on standards being maintained. You have to keep on the ball with your work.
Picture: Tom Corcoran competing in America for St Scholastica College.
American dream comes true for Tom
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
