TWO youngsters from a Newport school are moving closer to their goals of becoming professional sportsmen - by winning scholarships to top American colleges.

Promising golfer Chris Pritchard, 18, and Cwmbran Town footballer Dale Evans, 19, have places on four-year courses beginning next year.

The universities are so impressed by the youngsters, who finished their studies at Hartridge Comprehensive this year, they are willing to pay most of their fees and accommodation.

Chris, of Chepstow Road, Newport, was offered places at three US universities but his preferred choice is Florida State in Miami.

Leading US golfers Paul Azinger and Jeff Sluman, and the American Football Star Deion Prime Time' Sanders graduated from there.

Chris, a member of Newport Golf Club, with a handicap of three, left school with three A-levels and has been given until January to accept, with enrolment in August .

"I'm really excited," said Chris, who finished second in this year's Gwent Men's Matchplay tournament at West Monmouthshire golf course.

"I'm doing English Literature as my main degree, so there will be an hour of English in the morning and two hours' golf practice in the afternoon.

"I'm a bit nervous about spending time away from my friends and family but excited. The coaching is supposed to be fantastic."

Dale, a tough-tackling midfielder who played for Newport County last year and lives in Caerphilly, was offered a sports science degree scholarship at the Florida Institute of Technology.

He wants to play professionally in the UK. He said: "It would be good opportunity to develop my skills."

Jimmy Stokes, assistant head of Hartridge Comprehensive, said: "We're extremely proud of the boys' achievements. "