Woods to trial with Everton
Hamilton Wanderers striker Chris Woods will undergo youth trials at English soccer clubs West Bromwich Albion, Everton and Millwall.
Woods, 15, played for New Zealand at the world under-17 championship in South Korea last month.
Woods' break comes just days after confirmation that New Zealand under-17s goalkeeper, Jacob Gleeson, will trial at Manchester United and Everton in October and November.
Woods, from Hamilton will spend a fortnight with English League Championship contenders, West Brom, and four days each with Premier league clubs Everton and League One battlers, Millwall.
"I'm really excited," said Woods who will be accompanied in England by his father Grant.
Wood was only called into the Youth All Whites two months before the World Cup after impressing in the National Youth League and the Northern Premier League.
Woods said his season with Hamilton Wanderers had toughened him up physically and mentally and taught him the pace required at the top level.
"I didn't even know about the under-17 World Cup until about December but I never gave up.
"I just kept trying hard and moving up each step.
"The Northern Premier League has been great for me and the World Cup was a great experience.
"Just seeing all those guys with professional contracts from Brazil and England, I don't feel we're too far behind them," the St Paul's Collegiate student said.
NZPAgiddyup2007-09-14 15:16:38
Everton may as well drop the blue & wear white shirts from now on...whos next, Chris James?