A RISING star of women’s football is trading Oldham for Philadelphia in a bid to boost her chances of joining Manchester United on her return.

Phoebe Hollin,17, from Moorside, Oldham who has been playing as right back in the Manchester United Under 21 women’s team for two years, is destined for Temple University in Philadelphia where she has recieved a full scholarhsip to study a degree in Kinesiology, a sports science course, and play in the NCAA Division 1 League.

The inspiration behind the move came after a member of the Manchester United Women’s team, who had taken a similar route, spoke to Phoebe about the benefits of studying in America.

Speaking about the move, Phoebe said: “There’s a few players I know that have done it and they say it’s the best experience and really good for your development.

“On the football side of things over here it’s more technical but over there it’s more physical, so I can master the physical aspect of my game there and then come back in four years and hopefully be a more rounded player.”

The young player looks up to the Manchester City full-back and England star Lucy Bronze and has relished being part of women's football.

She said: "The women’s game has progressed so much in recent years and it’s great to have been a part of it. It’s such a step forward that we now have women’s pundits, I’ve loved listening to Emma Hayes commentating on the Euros."

Relocating to America is a big step for the teenagaer who went to St Damian's R.C Science College in Ashton before being picked out of around 500 girls to join the Manchester United Academy at 11 years old after honing her skills at Springhead AFC in Oldham.

She is looking forward to heading stateside in July.

Phoebe added: “I’m really excited it can’t come quick enough, I’ve just got to work really hard during this next month.”

Phoebe currently has a part time job at Tesco on Huddersfield Road in Oldham to save up for America.

Reflecting on life at the academy, Phoebe said: “I’ve loved every second of it, they are like my second family.

“In the academy I would be there everyday and training at night and in the under 21’s we would have college in the morning and train in the afternoon every day.”

Despite playing for United, Phoebe and her family are “massive” Manchester City fans. Phoebe was initially at Manchester City and then transferred to Manchester United with the support of her family who knew it was “the right move”.

Speaking about the transfer, Phoebe said: “At the time there were better opportunities and better facilities where United was."

She added: “It was never the plan to transfer to United, but it was a massive privilege to be picked for United because it’s such a prestigious club so I’m proud to wear the badge.”

Her dream is to play for United on her return in four years’ time.

She said: “Hopefully I’ll get signed again by United and play for the first team.”