A STUDENT from Otley College has scored a major goal by securing a trip to Ghana as a representative of his beloved Ipswich Town Football Club.Andrew Leeson's African adventure arose as part of his modern apprenticeship course in sport and recreation at Otley.

A STUDENT from Otley College has scored a major goal by securing a trip to Ghana as a representative of his beloved Ipswich Town Football Club.

Andrew Leeson's African adventure arose as part of his modern apprenticeship course in sport and recreation at Otley.

After working as an apprentice at ITFC for nine months Andrew, 17, of Trimley Road, Kirton, was lucky enough to be flown out to Ghana as part of the club's bid to build up international relations.

On his trip, Andrew met members from the British Council. He also put his coaching prowess to the test by teaching basic football skills to students from the Juros Kirby School in Maamobi.

He said: "We got to take part in one of their festivals and play some of their traditional games, which was all a great experience."

Andrew is hoping to secure a full-time position later in the year where he will be able to commence an advanced modern apprenticeship, but at the moment, he is concentrating on his education.

He said: "When I finished my GCSE's I was determined to get a job that I loved.

"I kept pestering my course leader at Otley College – David Robinson – to point me in the right direction and eventually I was rewarded with an interview at ITFC.

"Unfortunately I was initially unsuccessful, however I volunteered to work for the club and nine months down the line, I have been to Ghana for this once in a lifetime opportunity."

He added: "Almost every young person dreams of playing for their favourite football team, however the next best thing is to be able to work for the club that you love. I'm living my dream and I feel very, very lucky."

Carolyn Friend, communications and events co-ordinator at Ipswich Town, said: "This trip to Ghana is the beginning of a long term partnership with Ipswich School, the Juros Kirby School in Ghana and ITFC.

"It is part of our long term plan to positively impact as much of the global community as possible and it is great that one of our young apprentices from Otley College is able to share in our vision."