AN ASPIRING track star has agreed to join a prestigious American University for the 2018-19 season.

Matthew Harding, who attended Rydal Penrhos and Ysgol Eirias, will be part of the Virginia Tech programme and is another significant addition to what the US Media is calling “one of the best recruiting classes in the Hokies’ history”.

Harding arrives at Blacksburg following a two-year stint at UNC Asheville, where he qualified for the 2017 NCAA Outdoor Championships as a freshman.

He also won the 800 meters three times while competing in the Big South Conference Championships for the Bulldogs.

Distance coach Ben Thomas, said: “Matthew is a talented middle distance runner who is just beginning to find out how good he can be.

“UNCA did a great job getting him started and I know he will fit in well with our group and have an opportunity to be one of the best in the NCAA.”

The former pupil owns personal-best times of 1:47.92 in the 800 metres and 3:47.47 in the 1,500m in what has been a standout young career to date for the 20-year-old.

“The results that the coaching staff at Virginia Tech have achieved with countless athletes could not be ignored,” added Harding.

“I knew that Virginia Tech was going to be the place for me after I took my visit and really enjoyed my time spent on campus, as well as the guys on the team."