The Chance project is a global search underpinned by Nike for unsigned, young talent. Like Doyle, 100 players from 47 countries have won through national trials and are vying for one of eight professional contracts at the Nike Academy in London next year.

At the Academy they will learn from top-level coaches, train like pros and play a full season of football in the UK under the eyes of EPL scouts. It’s a unique opportunity.

Doyle, along with three Aussies - Melbourne’s Alon Blumhart, ACT’s Tom Rogic and NSW-based keeper Niko Matic - will represent our region after winning their way through to final tests held last September at the AIS under the watchful eye of former FFA technical director Ron Smith.

And Doyle wants to fly the flag for Kiwi football with pride – just as the All-Whites did with great distinction last June at the FIFA World Cup when they stunned the football world remaining unbeaten in their group.

“When I go back to New Zealand I know all my coaches are behind me and it feels like I’ve got a bit of responsibility to do well for New Zealand and pull through,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“But I get along well with the Aussie boys and really all four of us are representing Oceania.”

The Auckland City 18-year-old admits he’s living the dream – and his life could get even better after next January.

After completing his high school studies in New Zealand, the tough left-sided defender moved to Melbourne and began training with one of the most professional A-League clubs in Melbourne Heart.

At the new A-League franchise  – which boasts the likes of Simon Colosimo, Clint Bolton and former Socceroo hero John Aloisi as well as a clutch of classy foreign talent - he’s experiencing first-hand how some of the best professionals do their business.

And with former Dutch great and Heart head coach John van’t Schip – himself a former Netherlands national team player and assistant national team coach of the Oranje and Ajax Amsterdam –  the Auckland starlet couldn’t ask for a better preparatory football experience.

“The speed over here, it’s so much faster,” he said. “It’s opened my eyes. When I first came here I was a lot slower on the ball but over time here I’ve increased my speed on the ball.

“It’s all one-two touches – get it and give it and keep running. And everyone gets along well at Heart, so I’m lucky in that respect. I’m loving it, aye.”

Doyle’s A-League stint puts him in good stead for next month when he heads to London for four unforgettable days at Nike’s The Chance trials.

Right now though Doyle is looking forward to spending a few days at home with his family in Auckland.

He leaves Melbourne this Saturday for his Christmas break.He’ll then hook up with a Junior All-Whites U/20s training camp from January 3-8 under  the watchful eye of Chris Milicich, the former Waitakere United boss.

Doyle will then head to London in mid-January for his shot at glory along with Australia’s three representatives. And Doyle’s going to make the most of the trip, thanks to a former All-White great who’s been involved with The Chance project.

“Danny Hay has arranged some trials in the UK, if I didn’t make it. I want to keep going irrespective and I really want to make the All-Whites when I’m older.

“But right now I owe Nike the world. They’ve given me so much.”

For more information, head to http://www.nike.com/nikefootball/write-the-future/home