After spending countless hours by himself kicking a soccer ball into the coaches’ boxes at Angaston Oval, Henry, 17, has been awarded a two-year scholarship to attend the Potomac State College a division of West Virginia University from August this year.

The 2010 Faith Lutheran Male Dux of the Year was selected by the college coach Dr Ray Kiddy as having the athletic and academic ability to play at collegiate level in the United States.

Henry’s scholarship puts him one step closer to playing either with or against his hero French star Thierry Henry.

Henry, who became a legend with Arsenal and Barcelona (Henry’s favourite team), is now playing in the United States competition with the New York Red Bulls.

The collegiate system is one of the recruiting areas for the United States major league.

“I can’t wait,” Henry said. “It is very exciting and a fantastic opportunity both for sport and studies.”

The scholarship opportunity came through Melbourne-based NSR Soccer Australia which conducted trials around Australia.

“We had to submit a video of career highlights and I was able to include my two goals in a final for Modbury Jets juniors last year,” Henry said.

A midfielder, Henry’s soccer career began with Barossa United, progressed to Gawler Eagles, then to Modbury and this year he is lining up with Enfield City in Premier league under 19s.

“I intend to step up my soccer training even more before I leave and while I will be hoping to be successful with the soccer team I will also make sure my studies don’t suffer,” he said.