An Ararat athletic talent is taking up an incredible opportunity, boarding a plane and heading to the United States to play in College football.
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Paddy Turner boarded a flight to the US on Thursday evening, after he was offered a full scholarship with the University of Nevada as a punter in their college football team.
When he received the call with the news, Turner said he was over the moon.
"I got a call from coach Sheffield, who is my special teams coach, informing me that I have been offered a full scholarship which was just amazing," he said.
"It was very early in the morning because of the time difference, but it was a lot better wake up call than the usual alarm that's for sure.
"It was very exciting to tell all my family and friends who have been so encouraging and supportive of me.
"It has been a very team involved effort and I have had a lot of people around me the whole journey and to be able to share that with them was the best part about it I think."
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The 21-year old has spent the last two years studying a Bachelor of Education in Ballarat, which he will continue in the US alongside his College football.
Turner, a talented footballer and runner, has tried his hand at several different sports throughout his career before, injuires led him down the path of American Football.
"I have played all kinds of sports available to me in the community which was always fun and always what I wanted to be doing," he said.
"Then I got into athletics and did that more seriously, through my coach Marcus Cooper.
"He was always supportive and encouraging of me to do my best in whatever field that is.
"After a few injuries kept me on the sideline for a bit I looked for another option and fell into the hands of ProKick Australia after a few people suggested it might be something I am good at."
ProKick Australia was developed in 2007 to help guide and transition Australian athletes to perform at the College and NFL level.
Turner said the academy helped him develop into the punter role and have prepared him for this opportunity, despite the fact he is yet to play a game.
"They took some videos of me punting the ball, sent it to some school's in America and I was lucky enough to have a few school's who were interested and Nevada made the call," he said.
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"We do as much scenario work and training as possible and I have just been trying to watch as many games and film of other punters to learn as much as possible and learn the ins and outs of the new position as well as the sport itself.
"It is a bit scary knowing I have never played a game of it, but I am on a full scholarship and about to move there."
And while there's no doubt Turner is filled with nerves and excitement as he prepares to visit the US for the first time in his life, Ararat will hold a special place in his heart.
"I am excited to be back in a team environment and being able to experience a different culture and meet a lot of new people a build a lot of new relationships as well," he said.
"I want to thank the Ararat community for their support with my football and athletics and previous sporting endeavors.
"It is such a supportive community and I am very fond of it and looking forward to returning whenever I can."
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