A GROUP of UCFB Burnley students have followed in the footsteps of a member of the inaugural cohort to cross the Atlantic for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Harry Tomlinson, Jonny Morville and Josh Ambler have moved to the USA to work for MSSL, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to increasing the development and opportunities for young soccer players there.

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The students follow Tim Newton, who graduated with a BA (Hons) football business and media degree in 2014.

He was offered an opportunity to work for MSSL who were so impressed with his contribution that they extended his contract for a year and opened three more vacancies exclusively for UCFB graduates.

The three joined Mr Newton and the rest of the MSSL team earlier this summer.

Harry said: “The beautiful game is flourishing in the US and MSSL look to the English model for guidance, which puts UCFB graduates in a fantastic position.”

Johnny will be working within the facilities team at MSSL.

He said: “I had never been to America before, so being out here to make contacts and branch out with my career is incredible.”

New MSSL logistics team member Josh flew out with Harry and Jonny after serving for two years as president of football at UCFB Burnley.

He said: “I am excited to be working in an organisation in which I can make a difference, where I can see my work come to fruition when football tournaments are played out.”

A spokesman for UCFB Burnley said: “The networks that these graduates were able to build and the skills, knowledge and experience that they acquired put them in a strong position.

“The recruitment was by no means easy for the graduates, but engaging with the....dedicated employability and enrichment team at UCFB left them feeling prepared.”