Daniel heads to USA

8:19am Saturday 30th August 2008

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Former Oxford United youngster Daniel Meade will start his American dream tomorrow - just a month after a street attack left him needing 100 stitches and three metal plates in his face.

The 19-year-old, who was a key part of the U's unbeaten under-18s team last season, will leave his home in Swallow Close, Greater Leys, when he flies to Foothill College in Los Altos, California.

Mr Meade said he hoped the move, which will combine study with football, will enable him to move on from the obstacles of his early career.

Following the assault in Bicester on July 26, Mr Meade needed a four-hour operation to rebuild his jaw.

At the time the teenager was all set for his move to America, which was arranged after he was released by United and then Bristol Rovers.

However, Mr Meade's injuries - which will keep him off the football pitch until at least November - have meant he will be unable to play in the current American soccer season and will have to spend £7,000 in tuition fees to fund an extra year in the States.

He said: "I'm just really looking forward to it. I've worked so hard to be in this position and it's come round so quickly."

Under US rules, Mr Meade's association with professional football clubs in England means he will have to spend two years at Foothill, a junior college, before moving to a major college.

At Foothill he will be taught maths, English and science alongside a course in sports science, as well as playing regular football.

He said: "I think I'm ready for whatever happens. I'm looking past where I am now and concentrating on the next two or three years.

"Whatever happens I will stick at it. I haven't got much left I want to do in Oxford or even England.

"Just being in America and the experience that will give me will be great - it's something you just can't do here.

"All my wires and everything have been removed, but the plates will stay in for life.

"I just have to let my bones heal and trust the doctors. I was told not to play for three months, but I might wait three-and-a-half.

"There's no guarantees in football - I might break my leg at 28 - so this is why I'm combining my education with the chance to continue playing football and still turn pro."

A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the attack on Mr Meade.

The man was arrested on Sunday and released on bail to appear at Bicester police station on September 29.