American Dream

The 19-year-old Swindonian has agreed a one-year contract with United States Division One side Wilmington Hammerheads.

Although disappointed that he has not been offered a professional deal at the County Ground, he admits it is the chance of a lifetime.

Draycott, who hit the headlines last season with his scoring exploits in the FA Youth Cup, jets off to his new home in North Carolina next week to start pre-season training with the Hammerheads and take part in friendly matches with top US sides DC United and Columbus Crew.

Draycott said: "It all started when I had a phone call from an agent, who said he could fix me up with a trial in the States.

"I went out there last week, they obviously liked what they saw and I've been offered a contract.

"The facilities are very impressive and the average gate is around 3,000.

"As well as the football side, the place is lovely, it's a beach town and they've set me up with an apartment.

"I had the chance to go for trials at Oxford, Northampton and Bristol Rovers but this opportunity was just too good to turn down.

"It was a big decision but I'm 19 and it's time to get out there and experience life beyond Swindon.

"It also opens up the chance to progress and get a move to one of the big American clubs in the National Soccer League.

"One day though I'd like to come back to England and give it another go."

Although excited at the prospect of moving stateside, Draycott is disappointed that he didn't quite do enough to impress Andy King.

He made the first team bench on a couple of occasions last season but was not called into action.

He said: "I'm not bitter and there's no hard feelings even though I feel I could have done a job given the chance."

Town youth team coach Viv Busby said: "Mark is a good goalscorer, they like what they've seen in North Carolina and we obviously wish him all the best. It's an opportunity which he has chosen to grasp, rather than wait around."