Scholars Experiencing The American Dream!

Connah’s Quay Nomads are delighted to announce that Academy Graduate Scholars Leo Heath and Tom Malcolm are taking the next steps in their football and academic journeys at universities in the USA. 

Leo Heath - Saint Leo University

Leo Heath was a stalwart defender for the Connah’s Quay Nomads academy for over a decade and went on to build lasting memories throughout his time at the club - the sweetest of those perhaps being when he was part of our U19 Development squad which won the 2025/26 FAW National Academi Development North - a title which Heath lifted in his final game for the club. 

Leo is now based at Saint Leo University in Tampa, Florida, where he is studying a four-year Sports Business course. Leo’s experiences within the Nomads academy and Men’s First Team have also helped the 18-year-old sign for the Saint Leo team, where he joins up with teammates from Sweden, France, Italy, Canada, Panama and of course the USA. 

Tom Malcolm - West Virginia Tech University 

From one end of the pitch to the other now, as clinical forward Tom Malcolm heads to the States to take up a four-year Sports Management degree at West Virginia Tech University in Beckley, West Virginia. Malcolm scored an impressive 37 goals in just under three years for our U16-U19 age groups and the teenager enjoyed his best scoring season 2025/26 with 18 goals in all competitions. 

We are proud to hear Tom is currently enjoying his football in West Virginia, where his teammates have international experience from Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, Argentina and Australia and are in their final year of the course, meaning Tom can continue to learn and develop his skills in another professional, hard-working environment. 

The West Virginia Tech University has taken real pride in its sports alumni, most notable NBA Legend Sedale ‘’the Thief’’ Threatt, who is the only player in NBA history to be a teammate of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Julius Erving!




Good luck, lads!

Everyone at Connah’s Quay Nomads is incredibly proud of Leo and Tom as they take this exciting next step in both their football and academic journeys. Having seen Leo and Tom develop through our Academy, it is fantastic to see them earn these opportunities in the USA, and we wish both players the very best of luck for the future.  

Date Published: Tuesday, 13th October, 2026 - 11:00am by Adam Angerer