All-American back home

Photo: BEN WATSON

LAND OF OPPORTUNITY: Northcote Football Fern Bex Sowden, 27, is helping local students into Stateside scholarships.

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A four-year US scholarship was the time of Bex Sowden’s life.

Now the international footballer wants to help talented Kiwis make their own way across the Pacific.

Northcote’s Sowden, 27, says there are many top American opportunities for New Zealand school-leavers, but few are taken.

"When I was 13 I heard about the possibility of attending university in America to play soccer, the USA being the leading nation for the women’s game," says Sowden.

"I had an amazing time, ended up with a great qualification and got to experience what it’s like to be a professional player. The facilities at my college were better than in all of New Zealand.

"But it took around nine months for me and my parents to research, it was really complicated. I want to use my experience to make it easier for others to find their way."

In 2000 the Westlake Girls High graduate was accepted by the College of William and Mary in Virginia – America’s second-oldest university behind Harvard. Four years later Sowden returned to the Shore an international athlete with an internationally-recognised business degree.

"From the start it was really important to get a good academic qualification. When I came back to New Zealand employers were impressed I’d spent four years in the States studying."

She has since worked in television, radio and behind the scenes at last year’s Fifa under-17 women’s world cup in Albany.

"I think a lot of people miss out because they assume American scholarships are for top-level athletes only, people like Kirk Penney. There are opportunities at lower-levels too."

The key, Sowden says, is understanding the options.

"There are 3600 universities in America, that’s a lot. You have to narrow the field by identifying the best places for you and your sport," she says.

"I’m currently helping about 30 year students who have, or are considering applying."

For information or to contact Bex, athletes can visit askus.co.nz.