The Blacktown Spartans’ playmaker is one of a select few chosen from around Australia and New Zealand to attend the celebrated West Ham United Academy in London.

The nine-day experience includes elite training, assessment by coaching staff, training kits and an opportunity to see the Hammers take to the pitch in the English Premier League.

For Perez, 15, it’s a dream come true and one that nearly didn’t happen after suffering life threatening injuries seven years ago when he ran through a glass door while chasing his cousin.

A long layoff from the game saw the Ingleburn teenager return to the pitch more focussed than ever – with plenty of added inspiration from Barca wizard Lionel Messi.

“He’s probably my main football influence because all he’s gone through with his growth difficulties,” says Perez whose parents hail from South America (Argentina and Uruguay) like the great man.

“When I couldn’t play football for a year, it was really difficult. I was pretty much depressed. Every day I’d been outside on the football pitch playing and when I heard I couldn’t train or play for a whole year it just got to me.

“Football’s been in my life – I started when I was about three-and-a-half and I’ve been playing ever since.

“People didn’t actually think I would get this far. I’ve always been that person who didn’t get that chance or just missed out – it’s taken a lot of hard work but it’s been worth it.

"Basically I just trained my heart out.”

Hundreds of youngsters tried out at city and regional centres across Australia for one of the coveted spots in the elite player program with nearly 200 boys graduating to the national camp on Gold Coast last September.

Aspiring football pros from Singapore, New Zealand and across Australia took part and eventually just 20 players aged between 10 and 18 secured their tickets to the UK.

The West Ham United International Academy program is well established in the United States but this will be the first group of local boys to benefit from the experience.

Managing the Australasian side of things is Aussie-based former West Ham player and now coach George Cowie who says the youngsters are in for a life-changing experience.

The Scottish-born player who went on to manage the Papua New Guinea U23s and Solomon Islands national team trialled at West Ham when he was the same age as Perez.

“I signed just after my 16th birthday and a year later I was captain of the Scottish U18 youth team – so I have very fond memories of my time at West Ham,” Cowie said.

And for those who make the grade just maybe there’s a chance to follow in the footsteps of Perth’s Tombides brothers who have already been picked up by the Hammers.

Dylan, 19, is the first team squad while rising youth star Taylor, 17, had this piece of advice for the soon-to-arrive Aussie boys: “keep the ball moving and play quick”.

Meanwhile Sydney FC fan Perez, who attended the three-day talent identification camp in Ryde held by the Galaxy Football School, has been putting in extra hours on the pitch to get London-ready.

And Galaxy, which also has four other boys booked in for the elite player trip (Emilio Martinez, Brandon Vegas, Judah Cleur and Lachlan Everett), is pitching in with a fundraising dinner in Sydney to help cover the cost of the players’ airfares and expenses.

Among guests at the star-laden night will be Fox Sports commentator, Simon Hill, former Socceroos skipper Paul Wade plus players from Sydney FC. Tickets are still available.

Having grabbed his opportunity with both hands Perez says he won’t waste a moment of the experience.

“The main thing I’m hoping to get out of this is the different style of coaching and how they play football and bring those things I’ve learned back to Australia,” he said.

“I’m expecting amazing facilities, great coaching and a great football atmosphere. It’s going to be a good experience.

“My Dad’s going with me. Every day he talks to me about how he lived his life and wants to make my life a lot better.

“He’s always been there for me – at training, at my games, always helping me with my football. It’s going to be great.”