Student footballer Stacey Barnes is teaching America how to Bend It Like Beckham. Stacey, 22, has been selected for a top US side after excelling at Grand View University in Iowa.

Stacey, from Cedar Street in Accrington, becomes the first person from her university to be named in the All-District second 11, and is now eligible for selection to the All-American university side - the top honour in US college sport.

Proud dad David said the 2002 film Bend It Like Beckham, where two female soccer star dream of playing in the US, was one of many inspirations for the young footballing starlet.

He said: "It was one of her favourite films and I suppose there is a similarity there with the fact she's been scouted and then gone out to America.

"She’s always really enjoyed football, even from an early age when she was competing with the lads and more than holding her own against them.

"She's always been a big Arsenal fan as they’ve got an excellent women’s team, although I think Thierry Henry may have had something to do with it as well."

Stacey, a former pupil at Hollins Technology College, got the chance to go to the United States in 2007 after being spotted by talent scouts during a trial at Myerscough College.

She won a scholarship to the university, where she has also found academic success, and is currently on course to get a 4.0 grade in biology – the equivalent of a first class degree.

She has also obtained two additional scholarships as a result of her academic achievements.

Her father said: "For her to jet out to America at a young age was a hard decision but she knew it would be an incredible opportunity.

"She’s made some really good friends out there and its been a great experience for her living and studying in a different country.

"She’s going to graduate next year and has done really well academically too."

Stacey, who plays in midfield, previously played for Accrington Girls & Ladies FC for four years.

She is set to return Accrington for Christmas to see her father, her mother Stella and older brother Steven, but has not ruled out an extended stay in the US.

David added: "I think eventually she will come back home to Accrington and teach sciences but obviously, if the opportunity arises, she might stay in America for a few more years.

"We all miss her but she will be back home in a few weeks for Christmas and at the end of her academic term in April and we’re really looking forward to seeing her, we’re very proud."