Some further sponsorship is required for the boys, with all travelling and accommodation costs to be covered by the young midfielders themselves.

With the two good friends having played football from a young age, the stage is set for the pair to put their skills to the test against some of the world’s most promising young players.

The pair have just completed a great debut season for Shoalhaven FC in the Illawarra League, where youth grade were competition champions.

St John’s High school student Boardman is excited about the opportunity, but knows the pressure is well and truly on to perform.

“It should be good but I know this is what it comes down to for me, I’m actually pretty nervous as well!” Boardman said.

“We’re leaving on November 26, we’ve been overseas together for football before so it’ll help having a mate there.”

With trials set down at around eight different clubs, it will be a busy few weeks for the local talents, but Matthews, who attends Shoalhaven High, is savouring the challenges ahead.

“I can’t wait, it’s a really good opportunity,” he said.

“It’s a good test to see how you go against the world, to check out the standard over there to see if you can match it with them.”

Both have been training the house down all year and will tackle the obstacles ahead confident their fitness will hold up.

“I normally drive down to Tim’s and we do runs, we’ve been training all year,” Matthews said.

“When we finish training together, we do our own work-outs, I normally do about two hours by myself every afternoon.”

As well as competing for spots in current Premier League sides, there will also be the chance to try their hand, or foot, at gaining contracts for English Division One or Division Two sides.

“We’ll be trying out for Cardiff City, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Tamworth, Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool...and also possibly Liverpool and Sheffield United,” Boardman said.

Those wishing to help sponsor the boys are encouraged to contact Lee Moffatt on 0431334858.