Malachai Belboda, 9, spent two weeks on trial with Premier League side West Ham United, after they sent a scout to watch him at our trials.

The Bermudian midfielder attended our trial in Essex this October and was under even more scrutiny than normal, with the Hammers already aware of his talents following a trial with our partners in Bermuda.

West Ham followed up their initial interest in the talented youngster at our trial and again he was one of the standout players, doing enough to cement their interest.

Within days he was at Chadwell Heath training with the rest of West Ham’s u10’s.

Speaking about his experience at West Ham’s Academy, Malachai’s Father, Marvin, said: “In total he was there for five sessions and he did very well, the coaches said he is a very gifted player.

“They said they would like to look at him again next year in pre season.”

Marvin added: “Malachai played centre midfield in a game against Ipswich and set up a few goals.

“He picked up a few things in his time there, everyone had a great ability and were of a high level.”

Malachai is no stranger to the big stage. This summer, his team was invited to take part in the Disney Cup in Orlando, in which he scored 23 goals.

Since his West Ham trial, he has also had spells with two other Premier League Academies, which also came through the work of our Bermudian partner.

Whatever path Malachai ends up following, the future certainly looks bright for this gifted youngster and he made the most of the opportunity he earned from our trials.

“The UK Football Trial opened up his skill levels and enabled him to show his abilities,” said Marvin.

“The grades he got back from the coaches were good and he found them helpful to identify where he was strong at the moment.”