A former college student and young footballer who chased his dream of turning professional to America has spoken about his experience to help the next generation.
Former Priestley College student Elliot Whalley has just taken the next step in his career – signing with NCAA’s Christian Brothers University, after impressing coaches with his skills at right back.
“This move is something I have been working on for a long time and I am buzzing to have got it over the line,” said Elliot.
“This is an opportunity to shine at the next level up, keep getting better as a student athlete and maintain professionalism throughout the next two years.”
Elliot will graduate from CBU in 2027 with a degree in sports management. After that he hopes to one day join the professional ranks of players.
He believes the move to CBU gives him a good chance of securing a professional contract due to his coach’s connections and the fact he will be playing at higher level.
The 20-year-old secured his place in America after Priestley College connected him with his agents, 219 Sports, several years ago.
Despite now closing in on his dream, Elliot advised young footballers in Warrington who might be planning to follow in his bootsteps to prepare for challenges.
“My academic and athletic journey at college in America has been very up and down over the past two years,” said the former Culcheth High pupil.
“When I first moved out to Texas in my first semester, it was a huge culture shock and a very new lifestyle that I had to adapt to very quickly.
“A lot of things have gone wrong along the way, which were impossible for my family and I to predict, but I would say as a whole it has been everything I hoped for. I have made a lot of new friends, seen a lot of new sights and worked on my skills.”
