A WYRE Forest man has been boosting football's profile across the Atlantic Ocean after two summers of coaching in the United States.

Westley Dayus started off at Camplin Rebels in May 2002 and went on to hone the talents of 10 teams at another club as a Coerver Coaching trainer in the state of Minnesota.

The 26-year-old helped guide seven sides from Northern Lights Soccer Club, based in Ramsey, to district competitions and coached two to the state finals.

Dayus, who went to Stourport High School, said: "One team finished runner-up in the state and Minnesota is as big as England!"

The Shrawley coach trained the first team at Alvechurch when they were in the Midland Combination Premier Division.

He admitted: "I could not have gone and succeeded in the States without the help and support of Alvechurch manager Andy Hibbert and the backing of Kidderminster Harriers community officer Nick Griffiths.

"I had the pleasure of working with ex-Manchester United player Craig Dean whose knowledge has been priceless to me this year.

"It's been great to start at the bottom of the ladder and see the players progress with their passing and movement."

The former Worcestershire youth-team player is completing his FA level two coaching certificate and also has a Dutch FA qualification.

He added: "Now I'm back home, I would love to get back into non-league football here.

"I intend to go back to Ramsey in April. They are preparing for a $400,000 training camp and grounds."

Dayus is currently working for Harriers' community scheme but is also looking to coach at a club and can be contacted on 01299 825752.