BURY Bulldogs player Aaron Caldwell will become the first of what coach Darren Johnson hopes will be many a Suffolk youngster to gain an American basketball scholarship.

BURY Bulldogs player Aaron Caldwell will become the first of what coach Darren Johnson hopes will be many a Suffolk youngster to gain an American basketball scholarship.

Having broken into the English Under-18 Development Squad last season, 17 year-old Caldwell has been scouted for some time, but it was Johnson's arrival in Bury St Edmunds earlier this year which has finally sparked a dream opportunity.

Returning from a year long coaching spell in Texas, Johnson spoke to coaches at one of Houston's most highly regarded private schools about the 6ft 5in shooting guard and, after viewing some DVD footage of him in action, they invited him over for a trial.Flying out over Easter, County Upper School Sixth Former Caldwell then impressed both on the court and academically to earn himself an offer of a full scholarship at one of Houston's most highly regarded private schools.

Caldwell, who has also been playing for National League side the London Leopards for the previous two years, flies out to America on August 20 to start his first term.

He said: “I'm really thankful to Darren for this opportunity. I'm going there really just to gain a very good education and just see where the basketball goes. If I can make it to a very good college standard then there might be the possibility of turning professional or going to play in Europe.

“Darren has told me that I won't be getting an easy ride out there but has told me I'm good enough It's going to be very tough leaving my friends and family behind, but I suppose that is the sacrifice I have got to make to follow my ambitions.”

Coach Johnson said: “I want to use my knowledge, experience and contacts to help give as many people like Aaron this opportunity.

“I know from experience how hard it can be on this side looking over there (America) and not knowing what you need to do to get there.”