FROM playing a starring role for Bolton Wyresdale Under-18s to claiming victory in the national collegiate finals in America, it has been a meteoric two-year rise for aspiring young footballer Tom Coxon.

The former Thornleigh and Bolton College student celebrated his 21st birthday in style earlier this month when he helped the University of Maine in Fort Kent to the title in the USCAA National Soccer Championships.

His side, the UMFK Bengals, cruised to 21 victories and just two defeats in the regular season before crushing Penn State Beavers 6-0 and Florida College 9-2 in the knockout rounds.

They then held their nerve in a tight final against Bryant and Stratton Syracuse to win 2-1 on penalties after the match finished 0-0 after over time.

Coach Bill Ashby said Coxon was their rock in the centre of defence, providing the team with a solid platform for victory.

“The side has lost just one game in two years when Tom has been in the starting line-up,” he said.

“He came to us as a centre-forward but we quickly saw his potential as a defender.

“Tom is a big, strong lad – very strong in the air and in the tackle and great on the ball, and has played a key role in our success.

“We lost in the national final in Tom’s first year but went one better this year to win our first title in five years.

“He has two more years at the university and I see no reason why we can’t go on to achieve even more success with Tom at the heart of our defence.”

Tom’s mum, Nicola, aged 46, who runs the Parachute out-of-school club in Westhoughton and lives in Longfield Road, Bolton, with her three other children, Georgina, Francesca and Jack, travelled over to watch her son in the championships in Asheville, North Carolina.

And she was overwhelmed by the welcome they received on their return to the university.

“Fort Kent is only a small town and it felt like everyone turned out to welcome them home,” she said.

“The local police, fire and ambulance services even gave them a guard of honour, it was amazing.

“I am so delighted for Tom as he has worked so hard.

“His grandad, Terry, used to ferry him about to training, even taking him to the gym at 6 6’o’clock in the morning before school.

“I know he hopes to one day make it in the professional game, but he is also doing his coaching badges and will be qualified to work as a primary school teacher when he finishes his studies, so whatever happens next the whole experience will stand him in good stead.”

Tom spent a summer in the States coaching young footballers before returning to study sports coaching at Bolton College.

His tutors put him forward for a collegiate trial at Bolton Wanderers Academy organised by British company Sporting Futures and he was picked up.

Tom said: “My experience so far has been an amazing tale. To reach the national final in my first year then win it in my second has been unbelievable.

“I was injured for two big games this year, which we lost, but I have been a starter ever since, leading to the final, which we won two days after my 21st birthday.

“My grades have also been good and I went on an amazing summer camp, living on a yacht for four weeks, coaching in California for 10 weeks and even meeting Ben Stiller and all these famous actors and actresses in Hawaii

“I would advise anyone in Bolton thinking of studying in the States never to give up on their dream as there are always opportunities over here if you want it enough. It’s definitely a place you can make memories.”