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English Premier League trial for Warranwood soccer player[/size]
http://manningham-leader.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/uk-trip-for-warranwood-soccer-player/
THERE will be plenty at stake in Stoke for Tom Broxham.
The 15-year-old will travel to the country of his birth this month to trial for English Premier League club Stoke City.
The Warranwood defender won the right to try out for a place at Stoke's academy during a recent tournament in Morwell.
Stoke had a scout there, searching for a single player from about 500 in attendance. Tom scored a stunning goal from 25m, hammering it into the top corner, and the scout was sold.
Tom said he couldn't wait to go to the UK.
"The best players in the whole world in my age group will be there," he said.
"My dream is to become a professional footballer. To play in the English Premier League, that's the dream."
A no-nonsense centre back, Tom described himself as a "hard working, tough, give-it-my-all" type of player.
Tom, who plays for Knox City FC, will travel to the UK as part of a squad from the Australian Football Skool, a coaching company.
The team will take on youth sides from Manchester City, Manchester United, Stoke, Leicester and Everton, with Tom to stay on for his trial.
The Broxham family moved to Melbourne seven years ago from Sheffield, only 90 minutes' drive from Stoke-on-Trent.
Dad Tim, a tough centre back as a player, said soccer ran in the family.
"He's played since he was a young boy," Mr Broxham said.
"His real love for soccer developed when he came here, which is ironic for a boy who came from England."
"It's a great opportunity and he'll learn loads from it, training with professional coaches and top-class players."