FOOTBALLER Rowena Alsanea is having a ball in the States.

The former Huddersfield Town Ladies player is in the fourth year of her five-year soccer scholarship at the Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky.

And the Deighton-born defender has returned to her Huddersfield home to celebrate Christmas with her family.

"I love it out there, but the culture is totally different, the food and traditions," said Rowena, 22, who is staying with her grandma Barbara Connolly in Lower Fitzwilliam Street.

"I miss Huddersfield and it is great to come home.

"The town changes every time I'm here."

During her time with the College squad Rowena's team, which is mainly made up of international players, has won the National Championships in 2004 and again this year.

The top 200 ladies teams from the USA take part.

She has also been offered a semi- professional contract with Indiana SC during the summer.

Rowena was educated at Fartown High School and played for Huddersfield Town from the age of nine.

She went to East Durham College at 16 from where she joined the National Football Academy and it was there that she was scouted for the American scholarship.

Rowena is studying for a degree in physical education and recreation and hopes to go on to study a master degree in the States.

"Women's soccer is huge in the States and I'm having a really great time.

"The college is in quite a secluded area but we train every day, and it's much warmer than Huddersfield!"