OLIVIA Wilkes has begun her American Dream hoping that one day it will help her fulfil her own England ambitions.

The former Accrington and Rossendale College student - who has already represented England Colleges - has jetted off to the States after accepting a four-year scholarship at the University of South Alabama.

The 18-year-old will combine sport and studies in the city of Mobile with the hopes of pursuing a career in football - either on or off the pitch. But it as a professional footballer that Wilkes has set her sights.

And the former Fylde Ladies full back is hoping that it won’t be a case of out of sight, out of mind when it comes to her international ambitions.

“I would love to one day play for England,” said Wilkes. “It is every footballer’s dream to represent their country.

“So hopefully if I do manage to forge a career as a professional footballer in America, I will still get the chance to play for England. But I know that is a long way off and I know how hard it can be.”

While Wilkes is following a well trodden path of students who have crossed the Atlantic to further their studies and pursue football ambitions, it wasn’t a visiting college coach that persuaded her to make the trip but her own experiences.

“When I played in the Dallas Cup for Preston North End Girls as a 12-year-old, I knew then that I wanted to return to America to play and study,” said Wilkes who also played for Manchester United Girls. “The facilities over there are incredible and the focus on sport is second to none.

“So I knew back then that this was what I wanted to do.”

Dad Steve Wilkes, the former Darwen and Padiham manager, knew this day was coming but still admitted it was a very emotional time.

“We are all incredibly proud of Olivia for what she is doing,” he said. “Going to America as an 18-year-old is a brave decision, a big step. She is still just a girl in our eyes but this is something she always wanted to.

“As you can expect, it was very emotional and when she left a few tears were shed!”

Like Wilkes Senior, who played for Preston North End and Bamber Bridge, Wilkes Junior is a full back - but both are separated by the width of the pitch.

“I was a right back but Olivia is a left back,” said Wilkes Snr who is now the manager of Northwich Victoria. “She is a very talented full back. My left foot was just for standing on!”

Wilkes has already enjoyed plenty of success this side of the pond and has been a part of national winning teams both with Accrington and Rossendale College and Lancashire Girls while she has been player of the season at Fylde Ladies.

There will be a familiar face in the ranks as Brenna McPartlan - who also studied at AccRoss and played for Lancashire and England Colleges - is also swapping East Lancashire for South Alabama.

The Blackburn teenager captained Manchester City’s Development team last season and has also represented Northern Ireland at Under 19s level.

“Brenna is from Blackburn and I obviously know her from the college and county teams so that will be good while I also know Hannah Godfrey from Lytham who is already out there,” said Wilkes. “Her parents have been very helpful and supportive and have come to watch me play several times.”

Wilkes admitted had her beloved Manchester United - who have just formed their first Ladies team - come calling she would have listened to what they had to say.

“Like my dad, I love Manchester United so it would have been interesting if they did approach me,” she said. “But I have always had my heart set on going to America so I doubt I would have changed my mind.

“I would love to forge a career out in America but if not, I’ll come back and play here - perhaps one day for United!”