But it's going to be the new home of Albury United duo Michael Brownsea and Jack Mitchell in just over a month.

The pair last year accepted the university offer of a lifetime, and are preparing to move to the Windy City on four-year scholarships. 

Mitchell and Brownsea, whose offers came about after representing the AWFA at multiple junior levels, will be a loss for the reigning premiers when they depart.

Mitchell said that while the timing of their departure was unfortunate, the pair was looking forward to their next challenge.

“They sent out expressions of interest to everyone who had played state level soccer,” he said.

“We did a few interviews where they go through your school records, all that sort of stuff.

“Mick and I finished school last year and would have liked to have gone then, but the timing of the American school year meant that we've had to wait and have a bit of a gap year.

“It's a great opportunity though, I'm really looking forward to the experience.

“It'll be a bit of a change from Albury I'm sure.”

Brownsea, who will play under former Border resident Ryan Hayes at Purdue University Calumet, said the fact he was about to start a new life was yet to fully hit him.

“I haven't really though about it yet, to be honest,” he said.

“I don't think it's quite hit me, I haven't started packing yet and my room is a mess.”

Though he's still got some work to do before moving day, Brownsea said he couldn't wait to explore the opportunities the move would afford him.

“It's going to be unreal, but it'll be good to have some familiar faces in Ryan and Jack around,” he said.

“Having Jack there is a good lifeline, my birthday is a few days after I get over there so I'll know someone over there to celebrate with at least.

“It's weird to think that I'll be playing with people from all over the world.”

Albury United co-coach Matt Campbell said while losing the pair would be a blow, he was happy to see them go on to greater heights.

“It isn't exactly a shock for the club, we've known they would be going for a few months now,” he said.

“They're both very good young players, it's a good chance for them to go to another part of the world and see if they want to purse the sport further.

“Them leaving presents an opportunity for a couple of the other boys to come into the side.”