Burchell ready to live the American dream

Burchell, 20, represented the silver medal-winning Maccabi GB at last year’s Maccabiah Games in Israel and has also been a regular for London Lions in the Spartan South Midlands League.

Burchell, from Radlett, insists the offer of a scholarship at the NCAA Division Two champions was too good to resist.

“It has always been a dream of mine to just be able to wake up and play football every day at a highly competitive level,” he commented.

“This university is known for producing talented players that move into the professional game, something their captain achieved last season. It is definitely an avenue that I am looking towards as I think it is the best shot that I have got to make it in the game.

“I know it won’t be easy but I have the drive and attitude when it comes to my football. I am going to throw myself into everything.”

Burchell made his Lions debut three years ago and has gone on to make 93 appearances and score 31 goals for the club. He is also the first player at Lions to retain the Young Player of the Year award. Burchell will link up with his new squad next month and he is looking forward to working under head coach Dan Stratford.

“I have spoken to the coaches and I am very excited to start learning from them.

"They must be doing something right if they won the national championship last season and have been in the national final three out of the last four seasons.”