A TAVISTOCK footballer is heading to play in Australia in what promises to be a great experience for the young sportsman.

Matt White, 19, a former student at Tavistock College, flies out later this month to play for the University of Melbourne Football Club. He will be there for six months; playing virtually the whole of the season.

Matt has been working in the kitchen at East Gate Brasserie since leaving school last summer, and saving to finance his trip.

Matt began playing football at the age of five, under the watchful gaze of Jim Lothian, who spotted his potential as a goalkeeper with exceptional positional sense for his young age.

He has represented his college, and Tavistock Football Club, throughout the age-groups, and has developed into an excellent defender – usually playing at left-back these days. He currently plays in the Plymouth and West Devon League.

This won't be the first time that Matt has played abroad – he has represented the Plymouth Elite Development Centre in international tournaments in the past.

On his return in September, Matt has been offered a place at two separate universities to follow a course in football studies.