US universities woo Geraldton soccer prospect

Young Geraldton soccer prospect Kevin Steamer has scored a double scholarship to an American university of his choice by doing what he does best — using his head.

The Geraldton Grammar School student will soon begin receiving offers from a range of universities across the US after attending a scouting session in Perth recently.

Talent scouts were at the trials looking for star players to bring to America and the 15-year-old caught their attention.

While his soccer skills earned him an athletic grant, his grades at Geraldton Grammar School were so good selectors threw in an academic scholarship to sweeten the deal.

“I’m honoured to have been chosen for both scholarships,” Kevin said.

“It means that my full tuition for academic and soccer will be paid for the duration of my degree.”

The Zimbabwean-born soccer star had his first kick at the age of four and quickly developed a knack for the sport before going on to compete at local, State and international championships.

While he’s found it hard to develop his talents in the AFL-centric town, Kevin said he would miss Geraldton and his family when he heads abroad in 2018.

“I’m excited but I’m also really nervous at the same time because it’s going to be hard to leave everyone here,” he said.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to develop my soccer career and the fact I get to choose which university I attend is fantastic.

“At the moment I’m loving the look of Stanford University in California because I think it would remind me of WA the most and I’m not a fan of cold weather.”

Kevin will have to keep his grades up in the meantime but Geraldton Grammar School principal Nick Johnstone was certain the young gun would easily find the back of the net.

“Kevin epitomises all that we strive to achieve here at GGS — he’s certainly achieved the dream he set out to accomplish,” he said.

“He inspires other students and the broader community and he’s motivated to keep his US dream alive by being dedicated and committed to soccer and his school grades. We wish him all the success in the world.”