Sharpshooting Coleg Cambria student jets off to America for soccer scholarship

A SHARPSHOOTING student will jet out to the United States this week to begin a soccer scholarship.

And former Coleg Cambria learner Ricardo Chinea will be across the Atlantic when he receives the results of A Levels he completed in Geography and Business.

The 18 year-old, who also has an A Level in Spanish, was a member of the triumphant Connah’s Quay Nomads Under 18s and the Under 19s squad that led the JD Cymru Premier Development North League before the season was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

He now looks forward to attending Concord University in West Virginia to spend four years on a prestigious football scholarship and study for a degree in Geography.

“I can’t wait to get out there now, I’m excited to be a part of the programme and relieved I was able to travel and study in the US after everything that’s happened this year,” said Ricardo, a former pupil at Lymm High School.

“It will be a mix of time in the classroom and out on the pitch – a lot like the Nomads’ Scholarship with Cambria – and I look forward to improving as a player and student.”

With his Spanish roots – Ricardo gave lessons in the language to children, and his dad is from the country – he hopes to be able to play professionally in the future.

A keen Real Madrid fan, he would love to ply his trade as a striker on the continent but for now is focused on his American adventure.

“Juggling the sports and academic side is something I enjoyed at Coleg Cambria, so I’m sure that won’t be a problem,” said Ricardo, from Helsby near Chester.

“I would like to thank the college for their support and to the Nomads Academy, which was great to be a part of.”

Miriam Riddell, Assistant Principal and Head of Deeside Sixth Form Centre, wished Ricardo every success for the future.

“This is an amazing opportunity and I’m sure he will go on to big things,” she added.

“Congratulations from everyone at Cambria, and good luck for the future.”