Former Western Pride players inspire rising keeper to chase dream

Motivated by the rise of former Pride footballers Dylan Wenzel-Halls and Alex Parsons, Ipswich talent Josh Boyle wants to one day join them in Australia’s premier competition.

Western Pride goalkeeper Josh Boyle is chasing higher level opportunities after valuable sessions with Brisbane Roar. Picture: David Lems

He is fearless and focused, skilful and studious, agile and ambitious.

He is also a mature and humble teenager, ever keen to listen and learn.

Western Pride goalkeeper Josh Boyle is eager to become Ipswich’s next A-League footballer.

Inspired by the rise of former Pride footballers Dylan Wenzel-Halls and Alex Parsons, Boyle wants to one day join them in Australia’s premier competition.

“Seeing what they have done is really making me work hard to make sure I get to that level,’’ Boyle said.

“Really work hard to where I want to be. I want to get up to very high levels.’’

Turning 18 next month, Boyle received a positive start being invited to train the past two weeks with Brisbane Roar.

“It was just getting a feel for it and getting like used to that upper level,’’ Boyle said, thriving on the opportunity.

“I absolutely loved it, being there.’’

Former Western Pride and Brisbane Roar footballer Dylan Wenzel-Halls, now based in Melbourne. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Ipswich born and bred Boyle also sat on the bench in Roar’s midweek trial against Capalaba last week.

“That was an amazing experience,’’ he said. “Just being on the bench for them, knowing that the A-League players were right next to you.’’

After soaking up the valuable information, the West Moreton Anglican College year 12 student has been encouraged to finish his school commitment over the next six weeks before returning to Roar training.

“They (Roar head coach Warren Moon and his assistants) have been really supportive of me and just helping me out where I need it,’’ he said.

“Knowing that I have school to finish and being there for me.’’

Having risen up the Ipswich ranks, Josh Boyle is chasing an A-League opportunity.

Having Boyle welcomed into the Roar A-League environment is a massive boost for him and the Western Pride club.

The former Ipswich Knights junior striker has been with Western Pride since the club’s first season in 2013.

He has worked his way from under 11 up the ranks, making his top team debut off the bench last season against Souths United.

He also shared in the Pride under-18 team that won the premiership last season.

“I’ve loved it,’’ the promising young keeper said. “It’s been really good.’’

Western Pride goalkeeper Josh Boyle is working hard to further his football career. Picture: David Lems

This year has been Boyle’s first full season with the Pride senior men’s side playing in the Football Queensland Premier League 1 competition.

He endured a range of new challenges which he embraced and conquered without fuss or fanfare.

That included dealing with two knee injuries that kept him off the field for some games.

Having recovered from those minor setbacks, Boyle doesn’t have any regrets.

“The injuries that I got were because I put my body on the line to save goals,’’ he said.

“I know it’s hard watching from the sideline with an injury but at least I knew that I saved a goal in that situation.’’

As for becoming a specialist goalkeeper, Boyle said his football future changed after he jumped into a new role to fill a void at under-12 Pride trials.

“Kym Wickstein (Ipswich football fanatic and Pride stalwart) reminds me that I made this horizontal save, both feet up, and I would become good at goalkeeping,’’ Boyle said.

The Ipswich talent hasn’t looked back.

Western Pride goalkeeper Josh Boyle playing at the Briggs Road Sporting Complex. Picture: Christina Moran

Boyle represented the Queensland Schoolboys side that finished third at the nationals in Caboolture.

He finished his latest season in Pride’s 3-2 semi-final loss to unbeaten champions Brisbane City on Saturday night.

“It wasn’t too bad,’’ he said. “There was a lot to learn from it. A lot of things to look back on and improve.’’

As Boyle reflects on all that, he appreciates the tremendous encouragement he received at Pride from head coach Brian Hastings and the players who embraced the young man with a massive future.

“It’s just being in that environment every day and knowing they are there for me and supporting me and back me up,’’ Boyle said.

He was especially grateful for the guidance of senior defenders like Kelton Scriggins, Mark Ingerson and captain Killian Flavin.

“They are right behind me,’’ he said, also trusting their judgments.

While finishing his final year at school and waiting for another Roar opportunity, Boyle is already planning another important aspect of his future.

A huge fan of Liverpool custodian Alisson Becker, Boyle wants to study exercise and sport science as he continues to develop his goalkeeping career.

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