EDDIE POWELL is swapping Swindon for the Big Apple in a bid to forge a career as a professional footballer and he goes with a glowing recommendation from Swindon Town legend Paul Bodin.

The 18-year-old has secured a two-year soccer scholarship at Cayuga College, New York and jetted off to begin his new adventure last week.

Powell had been studying and playing football at New College under the wing of Welsh international Bodin.

But the youngster from Shaw fancied a new challenge and a change of scenery and applied for the Stateside scholarship.

His academic grades were good enough to gain a place, leaving Bodin to vouch for his footballing ability.

"He's been with us at New College for two years and has done very well," said Bodin.

"He really fancied the challenge of going out there and getting a scholarship.

"He's very bright and passed an academic examination and I gave him a recommendation for his football."

Bodin feels the experience could be a valuable one for his protege.

"I was out in America on holiday recently and it's the fastest growing sport over there," he said.

"The coaching is very good and the American lads are extremely good athletes so it should be a great experience for him.

"It's hard to judge how good our boys are compared to their's but I'm sure he'll do well."

Powell, a left-back like Bodin in his playing days, is the latest in a growing band on English youngsters trying their luck in the US.

The likes of former Town youngster Mark Draycott have forged a promising career in the American game and Powell is hoping to prolong his own stay.

"Quite a few lads are going out there at the moment," he said.

"Mark Draycott went over and he's been scoring goals for fun at a good level.

"I'm going to study sports science at Cayuga College for two years but I'm hoping to secure a four-year deal at one of the top universities after that.

"It was a big decision for me but there are lots of opportunities for me out there.

"It's an up and coming sport in America and a new challenge for me."