A Mansfield football fanatic who learned his trade in the US college system has become a director in a company that helps young players to follow in his footsteps.

Brad Rodda (pictured) works at Future Pro USA, which last year moved from offices in Pride Park, Derby, to new premises at the Ransom Wood Business Park, Mansfield.

Future Pro USA wants to become the go-to company for anyone looking to pursue a football scholarship in the USA.

Born and bred in Mansfield, Brad attended Garibaldi College, Forest Town, and was with Mansfield Town’s Centre of Excellence (now known as the academy) for six years until he was 16.

He returned to playing local football had trials at Football League clubs, but didn’t make the grade.

After completing his A-Levels, Bread went to the USA on a soccer scholarship.

Starting at Genesee Community College, New York, he moved on to Concord University, West Virginia to complete a degree. Once he graduated in 2017, Brad moved to Buffalo to start a coaching career with Buffalo State College.

When his visa expired, he returned home to start a Masters in Football Development, but then spotted a role at Future Pro USA.

He has spent five years working his way up from a commission-only consultant, to head of department, and now a directorship.

Already involved in client journeys, his role now is to oversee the day-to-day running of the business and continue its growth strategy.

“At the risk of sounding over the top, I think you’d struggle to find someone who loves what they do as much as me.,” Brad told the Mansfield News Facebook page

“My own journey to the US completely transformed my life and the trajectory it was on.

“The opportunity to help the players we work with down the same pathway is something I am so passionate about.

“I know what the US scholarship pathway is all about because I’ve been and done it for myself.

“I’d like to think I’m a generally modest character, but I’m very proud of what I’ve been able to achieve and I’m confident it all stemmed from the opportunity I was given to undertake a scholarship in the US.

“We want to help players who are interested in this pathway make that next step, knowing they have the support of a team of experts who have been there and done it for themselves.”

Future Pro USA said the US collegiate athletic system was attractive to young players in the UK and around the world for many reasons. For example, if a footballer is looking to pursue their ambitions of playing at the highest level they are capable of, while studying for a Bachelors degree, then the US scholarship route could be perfect for them.