A catwalk champ hopes his blossoming modelling career will enable him to start a prestigious football scholarship at a US college.

Chris Ndukuba, who was a winner in the Telegraph & Argus Modelsearch 2004 competition last month, has been offered a scholarship at Parkland College, Champaign, Illinois.

The 21-year-old Bradford Park Avenue striker was spotted by a college scout while he was a student at East Durham Football Academy.

Now, he has wants to use his modelling skills for promotional work in return for sponsorship to meet the £6,000 he needs for accommodation and flights.

"I have been playing football since I could walk," said Chris, of Coates Street, West Bowling.

"I want to go to America and get the chance to go professional. America is the land of opportunity.

"I think I could really make a go of it. For a player in my position at the stage I am at, America offers more prospects. I want to play full time football and as you get older, the chances get slimmer. I would like to come back and play full time in the UK.

"If anyone can help, they will get the satisfaction of helping someone from a less advantaged background.

"I hope that once I am over there, I will be in a position to help other people from Bradford to do the same. "

The scholarship includes two years at a junior college with the possibility of transferring to a university.

It involves academic study as well as a gruelling daily round of training and matches across the States.

"I will be gutted if I can't go," said Chris, who was forced to defer his entry last year because of a similar lack of cash.

"I can fall back on modelling but professional football is my dream."

Former Bradford Park Avenue coach and assistant manager Greg Andre said he rated Chris's chances of having a successful football career.

"Chris has got the potential with the right club," he said.

"He is a versatile player and did a good job at various positions and he is quite fit. He has the ability and he is dedicated."

Chris has also played central midfield for South Bradford, where he helped to coach younger players.

Coach Craig Manning said: "This is a really good opportunity for Chris and he really deserves it. He is a brilliant player and he stands out."

Chris won a year's modelling contract with Leeds-based Catwalk Model Management and Events when he was crowned champion in the 16-plus competition of the T&A Modelsearch 2004 competition which was run in association with the Kirkgate Shopping Centre in Bradford.

It was the second year running he had won the competition.

l Anyone who can help him can e-mail him at: cheekymonkey_kuba@yahoo.co.uk.