BEING rejected by a league club may seem like the end of a young footballer's aspirations to become a professional, but for Jorden Holder it proved to be the spur.

And now the ex-Oxford United and City striker has just completed his first season in the NEC Conference League in America, playing football for Central Connecticut State University.

The 20-year-old's performances saw him win the league's Rookie of the Year title, as well as being in the league's team of the year.

But a year ago, Holder, who was born in Bicester and brought up in Oxford, had no thoughts of America, after he was shown the door by Oxford United last April.

"It just made me more determined. But having five managers in charge of the first team in the first three years I was there, made it difficult to impress the gaffer. "Mark Wright seemed to like me, but Ian Atkins didn't even take the time to ask my name.

"It was the same for Kelvin McIntosh and Phil Wilson, who are two great players with futures in the game."

Oxford City boss Paul Lee had no doubts about his ability, signing Holder and his two United teammates permanently, after the trio had impressed while on loan at Court Place Farm.

That proved to be a turning point, with Jorden being offered trials by a number of professional clubs, including Premiership team Charlton Athletic.

Holder, who intends to play for City during the Christmas holiday, said: "I heard about the American trials from David Nash (Oxford United's education officer), but I wasn't really interested at first. "But I sent in my application anyway, just to keep my options open.

"I chose Connecticut because they already had five English lads playing for them, including another local lad, Nathan Meade, who has been over there a year, and their coach, Shaun Green was also English.

"They also seemed very professional."

Holder, a pal of Oxford United star Jamie Brooks, is in the USA as part of a four-year business degree.

He added: "I play football for the University and they pay for everything - food, tuition, books, and rent.

"It's a brilliant deal and opportunity for me to still play soccer at a high level, but also receive a good education."

Holder, a keen Arsenal supporter and Dennis Bergkamp fan, has always wanted to be a professional footballer. His grandfather turned out for Nottingham Forest, while his uncle played for Exeter City.

Holder's sister Ami (22) was a county swimmer, while his other sister Tilly (16) was a top gymnast and trampolinist.

But football was always Holder's No 1 ambition.

"I've played football since I was four years old. I used to play with kids three and four years older than me, so I just had to learn quickly.

"A lot of my old managers were a great influences. Mickey Lewis, Charlie Greig and Malcolm McIntosh are all brilliant coaches.

"And my Dad has always been very honest with me. If I had a bad game he would tell me."