Ex Forres Mechanics player and Lhanbryde teenager living American dream at Newberry College

A Moray footballing talent is living the American dream after landing a sports scholarship in USA.

Jake Newlands has made the big move to South Carolina to study Exercise Science and Kinesiology at Newberry College as part of his scholarship.

The Lhanbryde teenager has been on the books at Forres Mechanics for the past four-and-a-half years, breaking into their first team at the age of 15.

Since beginning at Newberry, Jake has been playing for the college football team in his strongest position on the left wing.

His college training schedule is intense, with the squad training six days a week, sometimes multiple times a day.

"I usually wake up around 6am before heading to training around 6.45am,” Jake said.

“Afterwards, I come back to get ready for classes which run up until around 2.30pm then we usually train 3-5pm.

“Sometimes we have team meetings after that. Then I have the rest of the night to rest and recover or complete any assignments for my classes".

The one the 18-year-old is still getting used to is the searing South Carolina heat, which he says will "take time to adapt to".

Jake’s eyes, though, are firmly set on a football career in the future.

“The training is great for my development and that's why I'm here,” he said.

Jake got his scholarship through an agency, who invited him to a trial match and, after seeing his potential, contacted him and set up an interview.

He was then asked to create a promotional video showcasing his talents, after which he was able to select which college he would like to study at.

Reflecting on the selection process Jake said: "I wasn't sure really how to feel at first.

“I was obviously really excited to make this big step but I was also nervous as I wasn't fully certain of what to expect."

And why did he choose South Carolina as his destination?

"I felt like it would be the most different to Scotland, which drew me in since if I'm living abroad at a young age, I want to experience different environments and cultures.

“I couldn't be happier with my choice.

“I’ve had a great first two weeks and I'm happy I chose to come to Newberry out of the options I had.

"Regardless of the difference in the environment and culture I have settled in great. Everyone is really friendly and I'm always meeting new people."

Jake may be a long way from home but he is grateful for the backing given to him by Forres Mechanics in pursuing his dream.

Talking about his progression through the youth ranks at Forres, he said: "I started out at the under-16s and built up through the age groups where I then made my debut for the first team at 15.”

Mechanics’ first team manager Steven MacDonald told the club’s social media: “Jake has been an absolutely fantastic player to coach, with a terrific attitude which is going to serve him well whatever he goes on to do.

“We’d like to thank not only Jake, but his family too, who have been brilliant to have around the club and have always been so supportive.”