An up-and-coming soccer star may be making the move from Kelmscott to the big leagues, after being invited by to join one of the world’s best teams in a training camp in the UK.
Jayden Ryder was a late starter in the world of soccer, joining local club the Kelmscott Roos as a junior at 11 years old.
But the “quiet kid” was determined to improve, and worked every day to better his skills.
His work paid off when, in 2019, Jayden was selected to take part in Perth Glory Football Club’s exclusive academy preparation centre.
At that time, Examiner Newspapers earmarked the then 12-year-old athlete as one to watch.
Now 16, Jayden has proven his abilities in a series of training camps held by one of the world’s most renowned clubs, West Ham United.
Starting in Perth where his skills earned him an invite to a National Camp in Queensland, Jayden wowed UK coaches to such a degree that he was one of a select few invited to West Ham United’s UK Development Tour.
Jayden said the news he had been selected to travel to the UK felt like his “dreams had come true.”
“When I saw I was invited to the UK, I literally threw my phone and dropped to the floor in disbelief, it felt like my dreams had come true,” Jayden said.
“I’m nervous because I don’t know what to expect, and it’s going to be freezing!
“I can’t wait to watch some games and just absorb everything there is to experience there – and hopefully impress the right people.”
Kelmscott Roos’ Robyn Noack, who coached Jayden when he first joined the club, said he has worked hard to get where he is today.
“When he first came, he didn’t know what he was doing, most of the kids he joined had started at five or six, so when he turned up at 11 it was difficult for him,” she said.
“But he was determined. He would come up to me afterwards and he wanted to know what he could do in his spare time to get the ball kicking properly.
“I would give him drills to work on at home and his mum came up and said, ‘I have to drag him in at night because he’s just constantly outside working on it.’
“He was just so determined to get better and be the best he could be, it was awesome to see.
“He’s a goal scorer, he’s got good sportsmanship, he’s just a really good player.”
Jayden, who is currently fundraising for the costs of the trip, was quick to express his thanks for all of the support he has received along the way.
“The support from my coach Troy, the Kelmscott Roos club, community and sponsors who have helped me get to where I am, and who are now helping me with donations with the massive cost of getting there has been so kind.
“And thanks to my parents for keeping me motivated and always believing in me.”
To support Jayden’s UK trip, visit gofundme.com/f/help-us-get-jayden-to-the-uk
