IT'S not often you can lay claim to up-staging David Beckham but that is exactly what Ben Callon has done.

The former St Augustines pupil has been living the American Dream for the past five years - long before Beckham decided to take his global bandwagon to LA from Madrid.

The 24-year-old has completed a degree is business management at the University of Rio Grande after being offered a lucrative football scholarship to study at the Ohio campus Now he is using his new found business skills to help British students chase the American dream - something, ironically, made all the more difficult since Becks' arrival Stateside.

For Callon has set up a company with fellow ex-pat student Benn Hughes.

"It used to be a lot easier for British students to get football scholarships in America," said Callon who comes from Rishton.

"However, since David Beckham arrived, it has become a lot harder because he has raised the profile of football, or soccer as they call it over there.

"Now more and more American students want to get soccer scholarships at colleges and universities.

"It means that it has become more difficult for overseas students to get to America as the criteria each student has to meet has become a lot stricter.

"But that is where we come in."

The pair set up Elite Soccer Combine to give budding footballers and scholars a chance to get a foothold in the American system.

And Callon is living proof of what can be achieved across the Pond.

Callon, who was on Burnley's books as a schoolboy, played in a Rio Grande team alongside Hughes that went on an unbeaten stretch of 110 games.

He spent four years being ranked nationally at number one and became three-time American Mideast Conference and region player and three-time All American.

However, his highlight was scoring the winning goal that won the NAIA National Championship in 2003.

"Going to America has been one of the best thing's I have ever done," said Ben who also played for Lancashire Under 18s and 19s.

"I've had plenty of highlights but, on the pitch, it has to be scoring that winning goal against Fresno Pacific College.

"I don't do goals any more so that made is all the more sweeter!"

Ben, who has had chances to play second tier MLS football, has put his playing career on hold for the moment - although he is currently playing for Unibond League side Rossendale while on a break back in his native East Lancashire.

"I've had trials and did join one team at one stage but I decided to return to Ohio.

"I have been concentrating on my studies, the business and also some coaching where I help out with the Rio Grande first team.

"However, while I have been at home I have been playing for Rosssendale where I have been reunited with Derek Egan who used to run the Lancashire team when I played."

Having gone through the American education system, played at the highest collegiate level and now accrued a degree in business management, Callon is using his own experiences to make it as simple as possible for others to follow in their footsteps.

But there are certain levels each hopeful has to reach even before they are considered.

For each student has to be in the top 50 per cent in their academic year, pass a Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and have at least an NVQ or BTEC qualification.

"They have to meet certain academic and playing standards," added Callon.

"In a nutshell, I suppose we are looking for those who have been released from Academies who want to further there education in America and get the chance to play good college football."

Callon's company gives youngsters aged between 17 and 20-years-old the chance to be scouted by American colleges.

Players who are then wanted by universities may be offered a scholarship or the opportunity to be watched again.

Elite Soccer Combine will also find the right college suited to the players academic needs, help to book the SAT and assist with the lengthy VISA process.

"We are constantly forging links with colleges in Britain and America and have a growing scouting network to watch players play.

"Our mission is to help boys, girls and parents have a better understanding of the sports scholarship opportunities available in Further Education within the United States of America.

"There is a fee of course but it compares favourably with other companies who provide the same service as we do."

Successful applicants will have the time of their life according to Callon who says the college facilities in America compare favourable with Academy set-ups at professional football clubs in this country.

"There is a certain money-no-object approach to college sport in America.

"The American Football and Basketball College Leagues are massive and attract big attendances and football is slowly getting that way.

"The facilities are fantastic and you get to travel across the country and stay in the top hotels."

Ben is one of a number of East Lancashire students who have opted to further their education in the States - and his is a real success story.

He is currently combining his business venture with studying for his Masters in Business Entrepreneurship.

He also has coaching experience at PDL and collegiate level.

Ben will wait until the end of his Masters degree to see how the business takes off but at the moment he has no plans to leave his adopted home.

"I would like to stay in America and see what happens," added Ben.

"I have given myself to the end of my studies to see how things are going but myself and Benn have big plans and we would love expand the business in to other areas.

"We've discussed moving in to sports management, sports tours and possibly setting up academy programmes in the US.

"It would be great to make this a full time venture but we will have to wait and see."

Until then, Callon is happy living the American dream and helping others chase it.

  • For further information about Elite Soccer Combine contact info@elitesoccercombine.com