FORMER Oxford United footballer Daniel Meade feared his career was in tatters when a street attack left him needing 100 stitches and three metal plates in his jaw.

Now the promising young player is shooting for soccer glory in the USA after winning a three-year football scholarship at the University of San Diego more than US$100,000.

The 21-year-old was part of United’s youth team which went the whole of 2007/08 unbeaten to win the South West Under-18’s league.

But the midfielder, who grew up in Cowley, in the shadow of the Kassam Stadium, believed his days as a player were over when an assault in Bicester in July 2008 left him only able to eat baby food and needing a four-hour operation on his jaw.

Although he left for the States a week after the operation, the injury left him unable to play football during his first season at Foothill College in Los Altos, California.

That left him with a cash crisis as he needed to spend another year at college and to fork out an extra in tuition fees to impress coaches to win a scholarship.

However, a kind-hearted donor heard about Mr Meade’s situation and sorted out his fees problem this year.

This gave him time to overcome his injury and kick-start his career, scoring nine goals in 20 games. He achieved the tally despite playing in pain through much of the season with a knee injury and ligament damage in his foot.

After achieving a 3.7 grade point average, the equivalent of an A grade, Mr Meade will graduate from community college next month with a scholarship.

He said: “It’s been so tough. At times it seemed impossible and both the injury and money problems made me feel like my dreams were over. I’ve made it now and it’s the most liberating feeling ever.”

Mr Meade said moral and financial support from his mum, Karen, and dad, Eddie, helped him during his darkest hours.

Karen, 50, of Napier Road, Cowley, who works at the John Radcliffe Hospital, said: “What he’s achieved is absolutely amazing. I’m extremely proud.

“Daniel is such a focused boy, he will always succeed at what he puts his mind to. The accident could have stopped everything but he just keeps on fighting to get where he wants to be.” Mr Meade has still not received compensation from the attack.

Shane Labaurn, 23, of Goldfinch Close, Bicester, admitted causing grievous bodily harm and was jailed for 12 months at Oxford Crown Court in November 2008.

cwalker@oxfordmail.co.uk