NEW PORT RICHEY - Like most soccer players in the Olympic Development Program, Sean Doyle spent the summer traveling to state, regional and national tournaments.
Stops for the third-year development athlete included Cocoa Beach, Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Atlanta.
However, one trip Doyle did not plan took him to the United Kingdom, where the River Ridge sophomore received insight into a future in the sport. "All of them were great," Doyle said of players on the under-17 squad in the Bristol City Futbol Club program. "Every guy on that team wanted to win as bad as he could. It's hard to get that commitment over here.
"Of course, (playing soccer) overseas is another whole experience," he said. "That's the thing they do over there. That's their life."
Former River Ridge girls coach Keith Hooper (now coaching in Jonesboro, Ga., an Atlanta suburb) and Rams boys coach Steve Doyle worked together 10 years.
Hooper, who has friends in Bristol City, got the ball rolling through conversations on the Internet, then a tryout ensued.
"I have some friends in Bristol and we were chatting, and I said, "I know this player you should take a look at,' " Hooper said.
Sean and Steve spent a week with Bristol City. It's a program that has several levels, including a Division II professional team, the Robins. Initially, Bristol City U-17 coach Keith Millen requested a video of the 15-year-old, but Sean's father thought taking the player to England would be more beneficial.
"I felt the best way for Sean to get exposure was to show them his abilities in person," Doyle said of the July 20-Aug. 2 trip that cost about $4,000. "He's been doing well playing the game of soccer, so we figured we'd see how he matched up with his counterparts from overseas.
"Sean told me, "Dad, just get me over there and I'll do the rest.' He lived up to his word. Coach Millen spoke approvingly of Sean's effort and said he was one of the fastest players (at the tryout)."
The Doyles would like nothing more than for Sean to play in Europe. A work permit would have to be obtained before a club could make an offer.
"I would definitely want to play in Europe," Sean Doyle said. "If it keeps going this way, I hope I'll be able to."
His father relishes the opportunity to coach Sean the next three seasons at River Ridge, using him on defense and at forward.
Doyle is a striker for Hillsborough United, the club team he led to the Atlanta Cup with 6 goals and 5 assists in 5 wins last month.
The 5-foot-10, 150-pounder also is a defender for Team Florida.
As a sweeper, he was co-captain of the state squad that advanced to the development program region semifinals in Alabama.
Doyle's father encourages the dream to play abroad. He would miss his son, but Steve said he would not hold him back.
"It would be very hard to let him go, but for him to live his lifelong dream, that is what has to happen," the coach said. "That's what he wants."
For now, Sean will focus on "coming into every game knowing I have to hustle. My touch has to get better, and my shot has to get a lot better."
Ultimately, the Doyles envision a pro career.
"My family would be very proud of our son to become a Robin," Steve said. "I would do anything for him."
