Former Glentoran goalkeeper Milo Beimers is certainly proving he’s willing to put the miles in to continue his professional football dream with the teenager embarking on a European road trip this month in search of a new club.

Beimers has spent the past five years coming through the ranks at The Oval, helping Glentoran’s U18s seal Harry Cavan Youth Cup glory by saving two penalties in their shoot-out success over Linfield in 2025 – it marked the club’s first competition triumph in 30 years.

The 18-year-old, who was named in Canada’s squad for last year’s U17 World Cup, decided this summer it was time for a fresh start and has his sights set on landing a club on the continent.

Beimers has acquired a campervan and plotted his path through Spain and Portugal, setting up trials at clubs along the way, with father Kevin accompanying him – and doing the driving with Milo still only holding a provisional licence.

placeholder image — Milo Beimers is setting off on a European road trip to find a new club this summer. (Photo by Milo Beimers)

The pair will set off for Bilbao later this month as Beimers looks to secure a team for next season, and while the move could be viewed as a risk with nothing guaranteed, the young shot-stopper is excited for the journey.

"We are still getting some things sorted for the van, there's a bit of work that needs to be done, but it's close,” he said. “We're still waiting on word from a few different clubs so we don't know exactly when we'll be leaving just yet, but we will leave no later than July 20th.

"I only have my provisional licence, I have to take my test soon, so my dad will be doing all of the driving. It's nice to share it with him, he loves watching me play and interact with different people, so it'll be a very fun experience.

"This idea started when I began playing for Canada.

"There's so many people who don't have an opportunity to move about, but I have a Dutch passport, a Canadian passport, so I thought about starting to look elsewhere.

"I was thinking the dream would be to play somewhere hot and where the football is good, so Spain or Portugal would be perfect for me.

"A lot of clubs are hesitant to bring you over because they need to sort things like accommodation, but when you're able to say that you'll be in the area anyway, more clubs are interested.

"I love learning different coaching styles and ways of playing, so going to different countries is the best way to do that.

"The way Spanish goalkeepers play is a lot different than in Northern Ireland so it'll be good to see that. I'm still young so I may as well try and experience it.

"We're taking the ferry to Bilbao in Spain and there's a few clubs interested in Alicante. After that we will be going to Portugal.

"If there happens to be a club elsewhere interested, I will find a way there, but primarily it'll be Spain and Portugal.

"The only way you can do this is fully believing that it's going to work. There'll be ups and downs, but I have full belief I will find a club - my dad and I have a plan where we're not coming home again until I do!

"There's a lot on the line, it was a big risk, but it's something I have always wanted to do and it should be fun.”

While it’s a tough task for most young players breaking into senior football, it’s arguably hardest for goalkeepers with many managers prioritising experience in such a crucial position.

Coleraine showed faith in Newcastle United loanee Aidan Harris, who was only 18, last season while Ryan Schofield was recovering from injury, but Glenavon’s Jacob Carney was the youngest regular number one in Northern Ireland’s top flight at 25.

Beimers had an opportunity to work alongside the likes of Dan Gyollai and Andrew Mills during his time at The Oval, regularly helping his senior colleagues prepare for matches, but is now looking to forge a career in the men’s game for himself.

"It was tough to leave Glentoran,” he added. “I have been there for five years and I loved it, but I think it was the right time to move on.

"I've worked with Elliott Morris for a good while and he has taught me a lot.

"It was the right time for me, but the club will always have a special place in my heart.

"I've been third choice goalkeeper for a while so if I had stayed at Glentoran it would have been hard. The Irish League is a very physical league and a lot of clubs won't trust young keepers...you need to be 22 or 23 so it's harder.

"Most people my age are taking a gap year now. I will always have a place in Northern Ireland...it was a big risk but hopefully it'll pay off."