FIVE students from Okehampton College will travel to the United States of America after being hand-picked to help raise money for charity.

The International Sporting Alliance, who operate the college's sport facilities and school rooms have set up a programme, which involves 22 football players from Devon travelling to the USA to play three charity matches.

The students will go over to the America for three weeks, on behalf of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Cancer Unit, where they will play in Miami, Omaha City and a premier match in Columbus, Ohio.

The students, from Year 7 and 8, will receive a high level of football training with an FA level two coach, who will join them in USA.

They will stay with host families and learn about other countries culture and customs and attend local schools to experience the American educational system.

They will also attend functions and visit places of educational interest and religious institutions, such as the Amish community.

Programme director from the International Sporting Alliance, David Knight, said: 'This will be a great opportunity for the kids and for Okehampton, because clearly it's gong to put the town on the map.

'Undoubtably we will have more American kids and other foreign nationals who will come over here to stay, as they have done in the past. They will also live with Okehampton families and attend the college.

'Their kids took part in a triathlon two weeks ago in Okehampton to help raise money for the trip and we've put in for a grant application with Okehampton United Charities.'

The programme also intends to launch a football development centre for both boys and girls from Okehampton and the surrounding area, which will be based at the college.

Qualified coaches, including the FA coach, will be on hand to teach them basic and higher skills, which is due to start at the beginning of the new season.

Acting principal at Okehampton College Derrick Brett said: 'We are always happy that students try to do their bit for worthy causes such as this, and it's great that they've got that opportunity.

'It's very pleasing when students from the college get the chance to travel and embrace other cultures.

'They get to find out a lot more about the world, so that they can bring their experiences back to share with their peers.'

The trip to America is hoped to take place in the New Year.