Wales legend Gary Speed's son making a splash on USA football scene

The son of the late Welsh football legend Gary Speed is making a name for himself in America.

Eddie Speed, a former sports and Football Academy student at West Cheshire College, has received an award from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America as part of the country’s Junior College Division III Men’s All-America Team.

Eddie, who travelled to America after achieving a sports scholarship, is already pursuing his football dreams and rising up the ranks.

Postman in epic 145-mile charity run in honour of Wales legend Gary Speed

He is currently said to be a “key player” in a Herkimer College team in New York state, where he was recently also voted male athlete of the year.

Having been part of a defence that recorded 10 clean sheets for the season, he has now been recognised along with the other first team players in the Awards Central section of the association.

“Eddie has an unbelievable work rate and was tremendous in both the midfield and back,” said head coach Pepe Aragon.

“He is an athletic and versatile player who we had to count on to play multiple positions for us throughout the season.”

According to the coach, “Speedo” has worked hard both on the field and in the classroom.

Of Eddie’s award, which he received in Los Angeles in front of 1,500 people, Pepe said: “It was great to see Eddie walk across the stage with all of the all-Americans from every level.

“To be recognised with every great player from the entire country is very special.”

Referred to in America as a “defensive workhorse in the midfield”, Eddie is now receiving a lot of attention from division I and II schools in the States.

Jason Doggett, sports tutor and academy co-ordinator at West Cheshire College, said: “It’s great to hear the news of Eddie’s progression.

“This really is a huge achievement and we wish him all the very best out there. Eddie is a great mid-fielder and was a key player at the Football Academy.

“Since we began the academy, it has been a massive success and it’s even more encouraging and rewarding to see students that have been part of the programme do incredible things such as this.”

“I have no doubt that Eddie will do great things in America. He’s hard working, committed and dedicated and we are all really proud of him.”

Eddie’s father Gary, from Mancot in Flintshire, remains Wales’ most-capped outfield player, having represented his country 84 times before going on to manage the national side.

He died at home in Huntington, Chester, in November 2011.