Former Tauranga Boys' College students Tyler Boyd and Ryan Thomas are living their football dreams.
The 20-year-olds both made their debut for the All Whites in March last year and are signed with European clubs.
Neither player could be contacted this week, but their journey from under-12 Tauranga rep teamsto international success is one they appear to be enjoying.
Tyler Boyd: Age: 20. School: Tauranga Boys' College. Achievements: signed to Wellington Phoenix as a 17-year-old; and played first game for All Whites in March last year. Future: Recently signed four-year contract with Portuguese club Vitoria SC.
On February 27, Boyd tweeted that he was excited to announce a four-year deal with Portuguese club Vitoria SC, which plays in its country's top division.
The Wellington Phoenix striker posted a link to his Instagram account with a photo showing him and his Phoenix teammates embracing. He wrote: "Looking to finish my time here on a high while playing in front of my favourite fans."
Playing for a European club has been a long-held dream for Boyd, who told the Bay of Plenty Times in 2012: "Every young kid obviously wants to play in Europe when they're older."
By the time the deal was announced, he had played 48 games for the Phoenix and made five appearances for the All Whites.
Thomas has played four games for the national side and both he and Boyd are named in the squad to face the Republic of Korea on March 31.
Ryan Thomas: Age: 20. School: Tauranga Boys' College. Achievements: signed with Dutch club PEC Zwolle in 2013; and played first game for All Whites in March last year. Future: extended contract with PEC Zwolle until 2018.
Ryan Thomas
Meanwhile, Thomas, who was born in Te Puke, is enjoying an extended contract with Dutch club PEC Zwolle. His success in his first season saw the club sign the midfielder until 2018.
On the anniversary of his first year with Zwolle, Thomas tweeted: "One year ago today I made my debut for PEC. Loved every minute so far! #TB #TimeFliesWhenYourHavingFun."
At the end of last year, he wrote: "What a year 2014 has been! ... #LovingLife."
