NINETEEN youngsters have travelled across the pond as part of an education and development programme with Argyle's Football in the Community Trust.

The group, who are currently enrolled on a Sports BTEC diploma or national Certificate at John Kitto Community College, are now in Philadelphia after raising funds to take part in 10 days of education, training and matches, culminating in a match against East Cost under 18's soccer Champions, West Chester.

"We are playing three fixtures out there, one of which is West Chester under 18s who are the East Coast Champions, and I think they are rated the second best under 18's team in America," said Football in the Community Trust scheme manager Mark Rivers.

"It's going to be a huge challenge to us and totally different to what we are used to over here, currently playing in the Devon Wednesday League, which is miles away from what these guys play at, but it will be a good test for us."

The group of 16 to 18-year-olds, who funded the trip themselves through a series of sponsored events, the most recent of which was a match lasting 12 hours, will also have a chance to consider their future plans with a visit to Philadelphia University.

"For them, it will be a good experience," Mark added. "They will have opportunities to have a look at a career in coaching in America. They will be going to Philadephia University because we have got three or four players that are interested in taking up scholarships in the States as well, where they can train at a decent standard, coupled with their education. It's not too dissimilar to what we do over here but, obviously, they will be playing at a better standard.

"They're all looking forward to it and they have all got their own agenda's if you like, but in the main, it is about experience. "

Martyn Edwards