TALENTED COAST TEEN KICKING GOALS IN THE UK

A RISING Gold Coast soccer star is aiming to make his mark on the big leagues as he takes part in a European training camp this week, with hopes it could lead to a place with an English football side.

Tyler Dance, 15, was selected for the West Ham Academy tour of England and Scotland, arriving on Monday to play alongside some of the best in the world.

He will spend the next week and a half getting oneon-one advice from coaches from West Ham, Liverpool and Manchester United academies during his first trip to Europe.

It’s a dream come true for the Year 9 student from Southport High School, who one day hopes to play professionally in the UK.

“He’s carried a ball around with him everywhere he goes since he was eight, when we go to the shopping centre, everywhere,” Tyler’s mum Leza said.

“The opportunity to network with coaches and academies is amazing, he’s hoping to make an impression to lead to the next chapter of his sporting career.”

Tyler was chosen to take part in the tour after being selected for the National West Ham Academy Camp at The Southport School (TSS) in September.

He has already racked up some impressive achievements, as a current player for the Brisbane Strikers in the National Premier League, as well as being part of the winning team in the Queensland U16 Schoolboys Soccer Championships in June.