The Boy from Bermuda Scouted by 7 Clubs - On Trial with Fleetwood Town
Former Watford trialist Travis Boyles is currently training with Fleetwood Town, after being scouted by seven clubs at our event.
Our team originally unearthed the exciting winger, now 18, at a trial in 2015 in Bermuda, Travis’ place of birth.
At the time he was put forward to one of the biggest clubs in Italy - although nothing materialised – and two years later we welcomed star him back to our trial in Manchester.
And he certainly made an impression.
At one stage in the trial, the scouts formed a ring around one corner of the pitch where a 2v2 drill was taking place – Travis was the attraction.
Followed up with an impressive performance in the trial game, almost every scout requested his details.
This week, Travis started his trial with Fleetwood Town and we caught up with him yesterday to find out more about the boy from Bermuda.
Firstly, how have your first few days been at Fleetwood?
I like it there and it’s going really well. I went to training on Monday and Tuesday with the u23’s and was meant to play in a game but I was cup-tied, so unfortunately couldn’t. They’ve said they want to see me in a game so I’m hoping to be involved this weekend, but I think I’ve done well in training so far and have stood out. It’s a good club with a new training ground and great facilities.
You had lots of interest, so how did you decide on Fleetwood?
Yeah I had offers from about 8 or 9 clubs in the end through UK Football Trials and contacts I met there, including Premier League teams. But Mark, who has been looking after me since the trial, recommended Fleetwood because it’s a good level, a good club and there’s a realistic chance of getting in the first team.
Can you tell us about your football background?
I was born in Bermuda and lived there until I was 13, when I moved to England - I’m also half Portuguese so I’ve got dual nationality. My first real opportunity came last year when I had a six-week-trial with Watford. I was training with the u23’s and played in a game but they sat me down at the end of last season and said they’d like to sign me, but I couldn’t get international clearance. Thankfully that’s gone through now, so I’m clear to sign for a club in England.
What would you say are your main strengths?
One-on-one, dribbling and finishing. I’m an exciting player with a lot of pace and I can play on either foot.
And what areas do you need to improve?
There’s always room for improvement and I’d say the biggest thing for me is my heading. I probably do need to work on that and add that to my game.
You mentioned Mark earlier, one of our scouts, how has he helped you?
The first time he saw me at UK Football Trials, I was playing in a game and I scored after about 30 seconds. He came straight up to me and said I’m one of the best players he’d seen and that he wanted to help find me a club. He’s looked after me well.
Would you have any advice for players coming to our trials? What did you do, for example?
Everyone goes there and tries to impress the scouts. I forgot about the scouts. I played to my strengths and played as if no one was watching me.
Finally, what are your hopes and goals from here?
Hopefully Fleetwood will sign me for the first team, that would be the ideal next step. But there’s no pressure, I’ve got offers from other clubs if nothing happens here and I’m still young.
We managed to speak to the scout who arranged Travis’ trial at Fleetwood to get his thoughts, and this is what he said.
“I could see he had a natural talent,” explained Mark.
“He was very professional with the way he conducted himself and he didn’t make any mistakes in the game, he was outstanding.”
He added: “Travis is dangerous, quick and has all the qualities to make it as a professional.”