A MAN from Basingstoke has been selected to join an elite course, which could see him advance into the NFL.

Travis Clayton, 22, is one of 16 international athletes chosen to join the prestigious NFL International Player Pathway (IPP) programme in the USA.

With a background in American football, rugby and boxing, Travis was previously a member of the NFL Academy - an elite American football development programme for student-athletes aged 16-19.

He was released by the academy and sees the IPP programme as the "first step on his redemption arc".

Established in 2017, the IPP programme aims to provide elite international athletes with the opportunity to compete at the NFL level, improve their skills and ultimately work to earn a spot on an NFL roster.

As part of the programme, Travis will begin training in the United States at IMG Academy and will have the opportunity to showcase his talent to NFL club scouts in March.

After the training camp ends, Travis will be eligible to fill a 17th practice squad roster spot across any of the 32 teams.

Sixteen athletes in total were chosen for the IPP, which will take place in New York. Eleven athletes come from around the world, with a first-ever group of five specialists from England and Ireland now included.

The IPP Class of 2024, including the programme’s first-ever specialists, spans talent from eight nations and represents a total of 16 players transitioning to the sport of American football.

Athletes come from various sporting backgrounds including rugby, basketball, track, Gaelic football and Australian football, among others — showcasing how diverse sporting experience and capabilities can continue to enable the impact of international player pathways in enriching the fabric of the league.

​"We are thrilled to welcome the International Player Pathway programme Class of 2024," said Peter O’Reilly, executive vice president of international, club business and major events at the NFL.

"As we focus on the global growth of the game, expanding international talent within the NFL is critical — connecting our sport with fans across the world.

"The 2024 programme participants are an elite, diverse group of athletes and we look forward to following their journeys in the months ahead."

Osi Umenyiora, who is spearheading the NFL’s Africa programme said: "The IPP Class of 2024 presents a group of incredibly talented athletes from diverse sporting backgrounds and nations across the globe. 

"Our international football development programmes at the NFL offer life-changing opportunities for talent, and will only continue to impact the league this season and in the seasons ahead.

"This is only the beginning for these players, and we look forward to sharing their stories and the game of football with the world."

Since its inception, 37 international players have signed with NFL teams (allocated, drafted or signed as a free agent), with 18 IPP athletes currently on NFL rosters.

Five players - Jordan Mailata, Jakob Johnson, Efe Obada, Sammis Reyes and David Bada – have seen active rosters with the Philadelphia Eagles, Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders, since the program began in 2017.