Jason Wilksch will board a plane to Oklahoma City in late July as he embarks on a new life as a college footballer.
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Great Western born and raised, Wilksch has been granted a soccer scholarship to South West Christian College in Bethany, Oklahoma, where he intends to further his studies and play the sport he loves.
It has been a slow and steady process for the youngster to be amongst the final selection, but Wilksch is happy to have finally made the cut.
"I'm really excited about it, it should be a great opportunity," Wilksch said.
Wilksch, who was approached almost two years ago by the Ballarat District Soccer League, had virtually given up on the idea of college soccer, when he received the good news.
"It came as a bit of a shock to me at first. I didn't really know how to feel," Wilksch said.
"I struggled through the interview process to the point I sent a letter to try and fix things up."
There was one question that caught Wilksch off guard in the interview and that was based around his reasoning as to why he should be selected.
"I just couldn't find the words to explain what I wanted to say," Wilksch said.
"So I sent a letter to the man behind the NSR (National Scouting Report) Australia program, trying to explain myself a little."
Wilksch will undergo an under graduate Business Management degree while he develops his skills with a soccer ball.
"I'm not the most naturally gifted player. I will have to work hard," Wilksch said.
"I have good height for defence and a good head. The rest of my skills need some work."
Wilksch has already received some instructions and guidelines to follow in order to be at his peak when the preseason arrives.
There were almost 65 players that took part in the trials at Ballarat with ten being selected.
The NRS will send approximately 100 male soccer enthusiasts and 50 females across to different colleges in the United States of America this year.
Wilksch, along with his family, will make the trip across to Oklahoma in late July where he is expected to settle in for the next couple of years.
Between now and then, Wilksch will continue to play with soccer club Horsham Falcons.
Wilksch will make the most of the college opportunity by living on campus.
