ANOTHER PRO SHOTTA is United States-bound.Sixteen year-old centre back Drew Plant is the latest product of the football club to attain a scholarship opportunity at an American institution after being recruited to play for St Stephen’s Episcopal in Austin, Texas.A Harrison College student, Plant leaves for the junior college next month following a solid stint at last year’s Dallas Cup in that same state, where he impressed one of St Stephen’s coaching while marshalling Pro Shottas’ backline on the tour.”We played against one of the teams that had some players from the school, and I was offered the opportunity after one of the coaches saw me,” said the Pro Shottas club member of 11 years.”I’m excited about going [although] I know I need to focus more on my fitness and my first touch and step up everything I have to the next level.”They’re adjustments that Pro Shottas head coach, Greg Castagne, is certain that the young Plant can make, having watched Drew overcome several obstacles which initially kept him from making the first team before eventually becoming its captain.”I’m very happy about his achievement because Drew has worked exceptionally hard from a young age,” said Castagne of his ward.”It shows young people what you can attain through effort, discipline and commitment.”Fashioning himself after Italian World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, Plant is the 12th member of the club to acquire a scholarship to play in the U.S. over the last three years, following the likes of national under-20 midfielder Andre Saniford-Williams.
