A former Bradford City Women’s star is taking the American game by storm.

Sarah Leonard followed in the footsteps of David Beckham by making a trans-Atlantic switch to further her career.

She now demonstrates her skills at Oklahoma City University crowd after being scouted and offered an athletic scholarship.

Since breaking through the Bradford ranks from the age of eight, Leonard has proved she has what it takes.

Her terrific goal-scoring ability and fearsome pace attracted scouts’ attentions four years ago and she has continued to impress Stateside.

The recent season saw Leonard finish as MVP and top-scorer with 22 goals in only 19 games - including an impressive five hat-tricks. These statistics mean she is already the third highest scorer in the University’s history.

“Sarah had just a magnificent season for us,” said coach Brian Harvey.

Not only has Leonard been forced to deal with the transition from football to ‘soccer’, she has faced a major contrast in cultures.

And her father Ken believes different perceptions of the women’s game are clearly evident. “Women’s football in the States doesn’t have the tomboy image it has here,” he said.

“It enjoys equal status and benefits from the same superb facilities.”

He also believes the American Women’s leagues could benefit immensely from a burst of British talent.

“There are some exceptionally talented women playing soccer, but our ladies can certainly show them a thing or two and would do very well. “ he added.

Leonard has also had to deal with the added pressure that comes with a greater focus on college sport and the women’s game in America.

Now she is strutting he stuff in front of expectant crowds, according to dad Ken.

He said: “There are fantastic facilities, hundreds of spectators rather than dozens and the balance between education and sport.”