A PROMISING sports star is set to study in the United States after landing a scholarship at a top university.

Lizi Mills will swap her home in Far Forest for New England to study at Bowdoin College, where fees cost more than £29,000 a year, after winning a scholarship.

The talented football and rugby player hopes to inspire others to work hard.

Lizi, who is completing five A levels at King Edward VI College, in Stourbridge, was one of 150 students to attend a week-long summer school in America, as part of a United States programme run by the Sutton Trust.

“It’s an amazing opportunity,” said the 17-year-old, who also participated in a national training camp for football at St George’s Park last summer and has upcoming divisional rugby trials.

“Being able to play sports at varsity level in America and pursue a degree is fantastic.

“It leaves both pathways open. The Sutton Trust, the staff at King Edward VI College and my coaches have supported me and I am so grateful. It seems surreal.”

Lizi considered other American universities, such as Harvard and Stanford, before settling on Bowdoin, as she felt it was more suited to her.

The university will give the youngster more than £119,000 – $200,000 – in funding while she studies and she plans to continue her US adventure with a master’s degree at Harvard University.

Sharon Phillips, King Edward principal, praised Lizi’s “excellence in her studies with an outstanding contri - bution to college life”.

Sir Peter Lampl, Sutton Trust chairman, said “I am delighted for Lizi and want to congratulate her on her tremendous achievement."