GEMS Sports Academy is celebrating its first student heading to the USA on a college scholarship, with footballer Callum Beaver saying he ‘can’t wait’ to start at Holy Cross College at Notre Dame, Indiana.

Operating out of GEMS Wellington Academy at Dubai’s Silicon Oasis, the Sports Academy’s directive is to help promising talent develop both academically and athletically.

– VIDEO: Ex-Bolton academy player Callum Beaver heading to Holy Cross

Beaver, once an academy player at English club Bolton Wanderers, is the first graduate of the GEMS Sports Academy and is relishing the prospect of moving to America this summer.

“Two of my friends go [to Holy Cross], one’s a golfer and the other’s a footballer so I’ve been in contact with them and they’ve said it’s one of the best experiences they’ve ever had,” Beaver told Sport360.

“I just can’t wait to get started.”

Having grown up in Dubai, Beaver was more than happy to come back to the UAE after suffering from homesickness in the UK.

He was brought to GEMS by principal director James Tucker who had also previously worked at Bolton, where Tucker helped establish a school in the club’s academy.

Beaver is particularly grateful for the opportunity Tucker provided him at GEMS.

“I’ve got to thank my family and James [especially] for getting me into the Sports Academy. I met him at Bolton and I didn’t really enjoy it that much as I was a bit homesick,” said Beaver.

“My dad got in contact with James and I thought it was a great opportunity to continue my football career until I go to America.”