A SPORTS coach has swapped the frozen pitches of East Lancashire for the most glamorous women's football league in the world.

Shirley Veevers, 24, of Clitheroe, is jetting off for a new career as a soccer coach in America.

Based in Kansas City, Shirley's dream job almost mirrors that of the main character in the 2002 hit comedy Bend it like Beckham.

In the film, which starred a young Keira Knightley, a young girl dreams of becoming a professional footballer and flies off to join the American women's college soccer league.

Shirley, a Clarets fan who cites Burnley FC manager Steve Cotterill as her biggest coaching inspiration, will leave her job as community sports coach for Ribble Valley Council tomorrow.

The former pupil at Ribblesdale High School, Clitheroe, will start work for coaching company Challenger Sports, based in Kansas City, on March 4.

Her first job will be to coach the Kansas team Shawnee Soccer, before moving on to a different team every ten weeks.

Shirley, of Meadowview, explained the exciting challenge ahead.

She said: "I was standing in a muddy field the other day with three layers on and rain dripping off my nose and I thought yes, I can't wait to go to America'.

"I love my job coaching all different sports, but this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become involved in the biggest and best women's soccer movement in the world.

"Their fitness and dedication are amazing and Americans are known for throwing themselves into something once they decide to do it.

"Just imagine what they'd be like once we've explained the offside rule to them!"

Shirley completed a sports management degree from the University of Central Lancashire and has a level two Football Association coaching certificate.

She has coached professionally in the Ribble Valley for two years and coaches Clitheroe Ladies football team for free.

She was offered the American job after keeping in touch with coaches she met while working at US summer camps in 2003.

Shirley added: "I don't really look up to any Premiership coaches, but I think Steve Cotterill is doing a great job.

"He's young, enthusiastic and promotes a great work ethic.

"One day I hope to work for teams in the college leagues.

"Their facilities are amazing and the money isn't bad either."

She will initially work for the nine months her visa will allow before applying for a longer stay if she proves successful.