OFC U-20 Championship 2016 Golden Boot and Golden Ball winner Myer Bevan is onto a good thing as one of four Kiwis playing in Canada with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

It’s been two months since he put pen to paper although the FIFA U-20 World Cup and his duties with the national team meant he didn’t make his home debut for the USL team.

He’s integrated into life as a professional with ease, scoring a second half equaliser, was included on the USL Team of the Week bench selection and also earned a nomination for Goal of the Week.

“I love this city,” he said of his new home.

“I’ve just moved into my apartment so it’s awesome. It’s a beautiful city, I’m enjoying the team so far, and the teammates have welcomed me in.”

The journey to Canada hasn’t been without its ups-and-downs and Bevan said a lot of the credit has to go to his mother Angela, who has been a constant support as he’s chased his dream.

“Big role, mum. I can’t thank her enough,” he said.

“It’s just been me and her from the beginning, she’s always supported me everywhere I’ve gone. Obviously, it’s hard to be away from home but I’ve got tattoos on my body for my mum so I can’t thank her enough for what she’s done.”

Being away from home isn’t a new feeling for the 20-year-old who headed over to London in 2016 to join the Nike Football Academy. There, he was able to relish the introduction to a professional environment, playing against quality players and teams from across the UK.

“Nike Academy was awesome, I can’t thank them enough for what they did,” he said.

“It was awesome to be over there in and around a professional environment to go and play against teams like Liverpool, it was unreal. I’m thankful because I wouldn’t have gotten the contract with Whitecaps if it weren’t for the Academy.”

2017 also marked Bevan’s debut at a FIFA World Cup tournament, joining the Darren Bazeley-coached side in Korea Republic.

“In the World Cup, you live like the pro you’ve always wanted to live like, for a month,” he recalled.

“You’re chased around, you have police cars following you, it’s unbelievable. To be playing at such an event, at such a stage, you have so many eyes watching you.

“For me, the highlight was the moment after Honduras because we were going through, and that was our goal, to get out of the pool. It was such a crazy experience and I enjoyed it a lot.”

Additional reporting whitecapsfc.com