FOOTBALLING youngsters have this week swapped East Lothian for the bright lights of Las Vegas to take part in a prestigious tournament stateside.

Youngsters from Preston Lodge High School have been invited to compete in the Las Vegas Mayors Cup and flew out from Edinburgh Airport yesterday (Wednesday).

They will warm up for the prestigious event with friendlies against teams from Peru and the British Virgin Islands.

The tournament kicks off on Saturday, with both U16 and U17 sides in action.

They will hope to emulate the achievements of last year’s team, who reached the semi-finals, with the latter stages of this year’s event due to take place on Monday.

Graeme Bennion, Active Schools co-ordinator at the Prestonpans school, told Courier Sport: “After the success of the last trip, both teams have a lot to live up to.

“However, they have been working hard and both teams are having successful seasons.

“It has been two years in the planning and a great honour to represent the school, East Lothian and Scotland as the only team to attend from Scotland and one of two teams from the UK.

“We are the only school team to attend, with the majority of teams academics, professional or national teams.”

Mr Bennion extended a “massive thank you” to all the youngsters’ parents for their fundraising efforts, and the school.

He added: “The success of the previous team has seen boys approached for scholarships in America, and colleges and teams approaching myself about building a team ethos and success we have at PL. Hopefully through the introduction of school of football the extra access the boys have to football daily can add to this and bring a feel-good spirit to the teams and school.”

Follow the youngsters’ progress on Twitter at @PLHSport or on the Active Schools Preston Lodge Facebook page.