Edinburgh Evening News - Sport - Claire opts to realise her dream in the US

MOST school leavers would jump at the chance to travel abroad and gain a scholarship in the activity they had participated in for as long as they could remember.

But for one Craigmount pupil it was a decision that meant she would have to sacrifice a sport she loved and had huge potential to reach the top in, in order to fulfil her dream of becoming a football star.

Claire Crosbie, 16, has already staked her claim on the badminton circuit, gaining the accolade of being Scottish triple champion at under-13 level before her most recent success at Meadowbank where she won the national mixed doubles tournament and was only knocked out in the penultimate round of the singles competition by the Scotland No.1 seed.

But all-round sports star Claire opted to ditch the racket and shuttlecock and follow a career on the football pitch.

The success of the Hibs girls team and the talent on show in the Scotland Under-17s side had attracted some attention in the States.

It was Kirkcaldy-born Richard Duffy - coach at the Rocky Mountain College in Montana - who approached Claire shortly after she returned from an international tournament in Miami last August, offering her a place at the college to complete a four-year scholarship.

Claire will be one of seven freshmen recruits starting the course on August 15 at the Rocky Mountain College where Richard Duffy has already recognised her sporting capabilities.

The coach said: "She is actually a national champion badminton player - a pretty good athlete."

It was not, however, an easy choice as Claire explained: "It was a really difficult decision to make. But I decided there was more to be gained from a career in football than in badminton. I’m still really nervous about it, though, and there are aspects I’m quite scared about. I won’t know anyone.

"It’s a long way away and I will be leaving everything behind, but I think there’s a better chance of a bigger career in America."

Claire started her football career playing for Hearts girls, before changing allegiance to Hibs two seasons ago.

After making her Scotland Under-17 debut against Ireland at the end of last year, Claire has never looked back and has been dubbed "one of the best if not the best centre half in Scotland at this age group" by her club coaches.

Claire is currently seeking sponsorship to help supplement her flights and living costs before she leaves for the States at the beginning of August.

Anyone interested in helping Claire should call her on 0131-538 2858.