WOMEN’S soccer proved a massive hit last summer.

Huge crowds packed stadiums to see the teams compete in the Olympics.

And England’s women’s team enjoyed great success in Europe.

Now a former Huddersfield junior soccer player is hoping to bring on the next generation of superstars.

Chris Allen has just been named as a top coach in the United States for his work with the women’s soccer teams at Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

He is the head women’s soccer coach at Davenport, which is an exceptional academic institution which fields 27 sports teams that compete at the highest level in the USA.

His team has just completed a league and cup double in the same season, which ended last month.

And he has recruited two former Huddersfield players to help gain success.

Paige Eli and Letesha Cannonier were both students at Huddersfield New College and are now finding success across the Atlantic.

Letesha and Paige were both awarded scholarships to the Michigan university.

Paige has been in regular training with the England Under 19 squad and both have also been selected for the English Colleges Under 19s squad.

Chris said: “I played for Scissett football club from age of eight to 14 then played for Upperthong Juniors where we won a league and cup double at age 15.

“I then played at Wakefield College football academy whilst playing for Ossett Town before joining Halifax Town as a youth team player.

“I played there for two years before stints at Bradford Park Avenue and Ossett Albion.

“I was then recruited to play football in America at Davenport University on a soccer scholarship. After playing four successful years, I was appointed head coach and have just started my fifth year.

“I have recruited several English players during my tenure at Davenport, two of which played at Huddersfield New College. Paige and Letesha both played at multiple youth team levels of the England national team and have now both received high accolades in USA soccer and played a huge part in my team’s success.

“They are incredible players”.