Old Bens player Jack Henderson (20) is set to embark on the biggest chapter of his young career after earning a scholarship to study and play football at Davenport University in Michigan, United States.

The talented midfielder will combine his studies in finance, to later major in economics, while representing the university’s football team.

Henderson described this opportunity as the culmination of years of hard work and a chance to test himself at a higher level.

“I’m really grateful for it, and I’m going to do the best that I can to make everyone here proud,” he said.

The scholarship came about through Old Bens’ coach Mike Lee, an alumnus of Davenport University, who arranged a trial for the youngster earlier this year.

“Coach Mike went to university in the US. He actually went to Davenport and earlier in the year he took me on trial there. They offered me a scholarship on the day,” Henderson explained.

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The 20-year-old’s football journey began when he was nine years old. After spending time at Old Bens, he moved to the University of Pretoria (Tuks), where competing alongside some of the country’s top young talent accelerated his development before returning to Old Bens this season.

“Tuks was a big shock for me. The level there is really, really good. When you play with better players, you improve naturally. I came back a much better player,” he said.

Henderson also credited Spanish midfield maestro Sergio Busquets as one of the players who has inspired his style of play.

While excited about the next chapter, the midfielder already has lofty ambitions for his first season in the United States.

“I’m taking everything stride by stride, but I really see myself achieving good things there. Hopefully I’ll make the American Team of the Season at the end of the year. That’s my goal for this year,” he said.

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